Bicycle, folding bicycle

The Brentford-based firm Brompton is one of the major bicycle manufacturers in the UK. The company was founded by former engineering student Andrew Ritchie in the 1970s and took its name from the Brompton Oratory in South Kensington. Ritchie could see the Oratory from his bedroom where he designed the prototype Brompton bicycle.

Brompton hand-made 'folding' bicycles have are designed primarily for urban transport rather than recreation. Londoners and commuters are using Bromptons and other folding cycles owing to high fares on public transport and the congestion charge for motor vehicles. Bicycle use has also increased owing to environmental concerns over emissions and a more health-conscious population.