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Scorchers Progress - St James Palace - Errant city cyclist
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Scorchers Progress - St James Palace - Errant city cyclist
The Scorchers Progress II - St James Palace, London - An errant city cyclist causing havoc with his fellow road-users. Here the mounted guards around St. James Palace flee in alarm as the cyclist approaches at speed... Date: 1904
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Media ID 11561800
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Accident Accidents Annoyance Annoying Bicycle Cavalry Charging Cycling Cyclist Danger Dangerous Falling Falls Fleeing Guard Guarding Guards Household Knocked Menace Mounted Progress Rider Threat Traffic Tumbling
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Scorchers Progress II: An Errant City Cyclist Causes Havoc at St. James Palace, London (1904) This intriguing photograph captures a moment of chaos on the streets of London in 1904. In the foreground, an errant city cyclist, silhouetted against the setting sun, charges towards St. James Palace at breakneck speed. The mounted guards, tasked with the household guarding of the palace, react in alarm and flee from the imminent danger. The cyclist, with a mischievous grin on his face, seems to revel in the annoyance and threat he poses to his fellow road-users. The scene is reminiscent of the infamous "Scorchers Progress" series, a popular comic postcard series from the early 20th century. These postcards depicted humorous and often chaotic scenes of cyclists causing havoc on the streets. The cyclist in this photograph appears to be following in the footsteps of his comic predecessors, knocking over pedestrians, tumbling over obstacles, and causing general mayhem. Despite the light-hearted tone of the image, the danger posed by the errant cyclist was a real concern in the early days of urban cycling. With no regulations or safety measures in place, cyclists often rode recklessly, putting themselves and others at risk. The mounted guards, charged with maintaining order on the streets, were often the first line of defense against these dangerous road users. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the challenges and annoyances of urban transport and travel in early 20th century London. The errant city cyclist may have caused a moment of chaos and alarm, but he also serves as a reminder of the spirit of adventure and rebellion that characterized the early days of cycling.
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