james Starley – considered the “father of the bicycle.” He left Coventry Machinists Co in 1870 and, with William Hillman set up their own business. In 1876 Jame

james Starley – considered the “father of the bicycle.” He left Coventry Machinists Co in 1870 and, with William Hillman set up their own business. In 1876 James Starley patented the ‘Coventry Lever’ Tricycle as depicted on the Starley Memorial in Coventry.