A new exhibition at Ilkley’s Manor House Museum opens this Saturday to celebrate the town’s link to cycling.

With the Tour de France’s Grand Départ passing only a few metres from the museum, the exhibition encourages people to think about the innovative past and the exciting future of the bicycle.

The exhibition explores the development of the bicycle from the original Boneshakers and classic Penny Farthings to modern racing machines.

Using pieces from Bradford Council’s Museum and Galleries collections and with the support of Ilkley Cycling Club, visitors can see a variety of objects and images telling the story of this fascinating vehicle and its surprising links with the Manor House.

Visitors can take advantage of a range of self-led activities available as part of the exhibition and enjoy a family reading area with books about bikes for all ages. The exhibition runs from Saturday 14 June until 7 September at the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Yard, Ilkley.

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe executive member for Employment, Skills and Culture said: “This family friendly exhibition includes an amazing array of items, including an original 1910s ladies cycling suit, with trousers rather than a skirt – a real fashion statement in those days.”

The start of the exhibition also launches the new opening hours for the museum which are Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 3pm.

For more information about the exhibition visit www.bradfordmuseums.org.

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For more information and photo opportunities please contact Heather Millard (Social History Curator) 01943 600066 or emailheather.millard@bradford.gov.uk