1973: BIKES - the Perfect Solution to the FUEL CRISIS? | Wheelbase | Retro Transport | BBC Archive

"The fuel for this is a medium-sized plate of bangers and mash."

Wheelbase's Michael Frostick - usually the proudest of petrolheads - presents an item about bicycles, which are perhaps not the first vehicles that come to mind when you think of Wheelbase. In light of the recent fuel crisis, however, Michael considers whether the humble bicycle's extraordinary efficiency could persuade motorists to trade petrol power for pedal power.

Michael goes on a cycle ride with engineer and inventor Alex Moulton, a keen cyclist and the designer of the revolutionary Moulton Bicycle, to discuss the potential pros and cons of cycling.

Clip taken from Wheelbase, originally broadcast on BBC Two, 11 December, 1973.

You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of TV to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic clips from the BBC vaults.

[LukeWatchesTV]

Makes me long for a fuel shortage, it would be good to see more people out on their bikes!

[JosephByrne]

5:52 that's often underestimated, the feeling of cycling. As teenagers in The Netherlands on the way to the beach or some party, riding in a group was such a good feeling.

[robbflynn]

I'm 57. I cycle around 8 miles per day. Half road, half trail. Great exercise.

[peterbedford]

I've been cycling in the US since 1968. The danger of being hit by a car has increased greatly.

[TtableWhey]

The Poshness of the accents is blowing my mind.

[whiskywhippet]

That bus was like something from Thunderbirds!

[belmmonkey]

Moulton was a genius. The MK2 is a wonderful machine to ride.

[nigelh]

Powered by "bangers and mash". Proper fuel.

[Akibatai]

The bike is still the best option to get around nowadays. Helps me burn fat and save money.

[kozmicbluescali]

I love bicycle culture, great video and the presenter is awesome. Thank you for uploading it. Greetings from Florida USA.

[davidahugill]

I’ve still got some petrol coupons issued when fuel was going to be rationed, and been using a bicycle since the 1950s . I have 2 cars but only use one at once ! Cheers DaveH. Keep pedalling

[bryn]

My solution to the crisis was a 50% paraffin mix for my Kawasaki KH 250 two-stroke. I had to run an errand near town. I drained the tank when I got home, wasting a gallon of precious petrol. I left a massive vapour-trail of odiferous semi-burnt paraffin that was probably visible from space :D

[lxblwdg]

Lovely to see our family's BSA 20 again!

[nickmonkey]

What a great little film
Lovely to see people riding bicycles whilst wearing proper clothing

[wildsurfer]

Why we didn’t embrace cycling infrastructure 50 years ago is beyond me.

[ericpmoss]

Notice at 8:48 how Alex's handlebars are 50 years ahead of the curve.

[phillipecook]

What a wonderful presenter and film from half a century ago. The days when you still went to a toy shop to buy a racing bike ( for forty quid ! )

[TimothyAsbridge_TENOR]

Gotta love 70s TV presenters. Guy pretty much free wheels over a fairly flat bridge, gets off, goes into anaphylaxis.

[Holeyguagaamoley]

What a great article, I was astounded to see the Raleigh Esquire for sale in the Toy Shop, hated that bike at the time, i really wanted a Chopper, but I know which Id rather have back now.

[Grassington]

It was wonderful to see the late, great Dr AM. I particularly enjoyed the sign on his main gate regarding access to his gardens - made me laugh!