Advertise
The winged wheel emblem - a sign that cyclists are welcome
Cyclists Welcome
During the original cycling boom of the late nineteenth century, the gentry were out touring the country and abroad on their bikes. Proprietors of every kind added ‘CTC’ to their hoardings to encourage a pedalling populace to patronise their hotels, cafes and shops. By 1888, CTC was dispensing its official endorsements in the form of a Winged Wheel, a huge circular sign two feet across. Many of these original signs can still be spotted up and down the country and all sightings are logged on the Winged Wheel website.
Skip forward 120 years and the steel steed is on the rise again. Once all but eclipsed by the ubiquitous car, environmental, health and lifestyle shifts have brought new record numbers to CTC membership. The modern cyclist isn’t easily stereotyped but one thing is for sure: sooner or later they are going to be tired and hungry. They may also need somewhere to store their bike, a hot shower, somewhere to hang or dry clothes and last - but not least - a nice cup of tea!
And that is good news for any business that’s ready to offer a warm welcome to the weary rider. With 23 million cycle owners in the UK, it is worth the very modest investment to put that welcome in your window. You will be glad to hear that the rather cumbersome Winged Wheel has been replaced with a much more manageable window sticker with the CTC logo that states Cyclists Welcome.
To promote your business for 12 months in Cyclists Welcome, please contact Andy Hawes on 01483 238 306 for further detail or an application form.
