The start of the tricycle race

This dynamic black‑and‑white shot captures the start of an adult tricycle race right in front of Marble Arch on a damp 1934 morning. Dozens of competitors—ranging from serious club cyclists to novelty‑race enthusiasts—power their three‑wheeled machines across the slick roadway, framed by the arch’s neoclassical pillars and the misty outlines of Hyde Park beyond.

Historical Context During the interwar years, organised cycle races and charity fundraisers became increasingly popular in London. Tricycle races—often staged by local cycling clubs or veterans’ associations—offered both accessibility (no balancing required) and spectacle for city crowds. Events like this combined sporting camaraderie with public entertainment, transforming familiar thoroughfares into temporary arenas and celebrating Britain’s growing leisure‑time culture.

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