This photo is from a postcard in our collection.
This ride is defunct.
Name Hotchkiss Bicycle Railway Other Name(s) Hotchkiss Bicycle Railroad Opened 1896 Inventor Arthur Hotchkiss
The Hotchkiss Bicycle Railway was the first ride operated by the park’s founder William George Bean. It operated alongside a number of pre-existing primitive amusements and attractions.
The concept was patented in 1892 by Arthur Hotchkiss, with the initial intention of using the invention for use as a commuter railway in New Jersey, USA.
Art the time of its introduction, cycling was becoming very popular in the UK. The oval track was setup on the sands and riders were able to pedal their way around without fear of falling off.
Other examples could be found in different resorts, with one opening in Great Yarmouth in 1895 that operated until as late as 1909.