Menu
07/05/2014
Belfast Cycling Pioneers Honoured
Two Belfast men have been honoured with a plaque detailing the "pivotal role" they played in the development of modern cycling, the City Council has said.
On the eve of the Giro d’Italia, inventor John Boyd and cyclist Willie Hume have been commemorated with the plaque, which was unveiled by Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.
In 1887, Scottish-born veterinary surgeon and inventor John Boyd Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic tyre when he fitted inflated tubes of sheet rubber to the rear wheels of his son’s tricycle.
Two years later on 18 May 1889, renowned cyclist Willie Hume, captain of the Belfast Cruisers’ Cycling Club, used the tyres in competition for the first time and won all four races at the Queen’s College Sports.
Hume went on to win multiple races across Ireland and England, establishing their use as a standard for the sport.
Now, 125 years later, a plaque has been unveiled near the spot where the event took place, on the Ormeau Road. Among those who took part in this morning’s ceremony were 75 pupils from Scoil an Droichid and Harding Memorial Primary School, who have been taking part in Sustrans’ Active Schools Travel Programme.
An Ulster History Circle 'Blue Plaque' marks the site of Dunlop's workshop in May Street in the city, and his image appears on the Northern Bank £10 note.
(IT/MH)
On the eve of the Giro d’Italia, inventor John Boyd and cyclist Willie Hume have been commemorated with the plaque, which was unveiled by Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.
In 1887, Scottish-born veterinary surgeon and inventor John Boyd Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic tyre when he fitted inflated tubes of sheet rubber to the rear wheels of his son’s tricycle.
Two years later on 18 May 1889, renowned cyclist Willie Hume, captain of the Belfast Cruisers’ Cycling Club, used the tyres in competition for the first time and won all four races at the Queen’s College Sports.
Hume went on to win multiple races across Ireland and England, establishing their use as a standard for the sport.
Now, 125 years later, a plaque has been unveiled near the spot where the event took place, on the Ormeau Road. Among those who took part in this morning’s ceremony were 75 pupils from Scoil an Droichid and Harding Memorial Primary School, who have been taking part in Sustrans’ Active Schools Travel Programme.
An Ulster History Circle 'Blue Plaque' marks the site of Dunlop's workshop in May Street in the city, and his image appears on the Northern Bank £10 note.
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 March 2022
New Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan Published
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the publication of the 'Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan', which sets out the vision of the Belfast Cycling Network.
New Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan Published
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the publication of the 'Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan', which sets out the vision of the Belfast Cycling Network.
02 August 2010
Quarry To Become Extreme Sports Centre
Plans for Co Antrim's Magheramorne Quarry to be redeveloped into Ireland's first word-class recreational attraction have been approved. NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson approved the proposals submitted by Lafarge Cement UK to build a harbour eco-village on the site of a derelict cement works and quarry near Larne.
Quarry To Become Extreme Sports Centre
Plans for Co Antrim's Magheramorne Quarry to be redeveloped into Ireland's first word-class recreational attraction have been approved. NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson approved the proposals submitted by Lafarge Cement UK to build a harbour eco-village on the site of a derelict cement works and quarry near Larne.
06 March 2020
Belfast Residents Call For Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure
Belfast residents want more measures to promote cycling in the city, the latest Bike Like report has revealed. Some 77% of residents say they would cycle more if the city's infrastructure provided more bike lanes that are separated from traffic and pedestrians. Just two miles of protected cycling space currently exists in Belfast.
Belfast Residents Call For Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure
Belfast residents want more measures to promote cycling in the city, the latest Bike Like report has revealed. Some 77% of residents say they would cycle more if the city's infrastructure provided more bike lanes that are separated from traffic and pedestrians. Just two miles of protected cycling space currently exists in Belfast.
11 November 2003
Boost for biodiversity and conservation biology research
Researchers in the fields of biodiversity and conservation biology were given a boost last night after a new centre was officially opened at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
Boost for biodiversity and conservation biology research
Researchers in the fields of biodiversity and conservation biology were given a boost last night after a new centre was officially opened at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
27 January 2017
Blue Plaque Unveiled For Holocaust Survivor Helen Lewis
Dance teacher and Holocaust survivor Helen Lewis has been honoured with the unveiling of a blue plaque at an arts centre in Belfast.
Blue Plaque Unveiled For Holocaust Survivor Helen Lewis
Dance teacher and Holocaust survivor Helen Lewis has been honoured with the unveiling of a blue plaque at an arts centre in Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
