Alan Oakley (designer)
Alan Oakley | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | 18 May 2012 | (aged 85)
Known for | Designing the Raleigh Chopper bicycle |
Alan Oakley (27 April 1927 โ 18 May 2012)[1] was a British bicycle designer from Nottingham who worked for the Raleigh Bicycle Company.
As Raleigh's chief designer he designed the company's best selling Chopper bicycle.[2] He drew the design for the Chopper on an envelope as he travelled home from the US, in 1967, inspired to replicate the design of Peter Fonda's character's motorbike in the film Easy Rider. He came up with his drawing as he flew home from the trip, set up for him to "get-to-grips" with youth culture. In the 1980s, production of the Chopper ceased when the rival BMX hit the market, but, due to popular demand, a limited edition Chopper was released in 2004.[2]
Oakley married twice. His first marriage, in 1954, was to Brenda Wilson; the couple had a son and daughter. Oakley was married to Karen Francis from 1992 until his death. Oakley died from cancer, aged 85.[1][3]
Early life and education
Oakley was born on 27 April 1927 in
References
- ^ a b Alan Oakley (obituary), The Telegraph, 21 May 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
- ^ a b "Cult bicycle is making a comeback". BBC News. 24 February 2004. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
- ^ "Raleigh Chopper designer Alan Oakley dies from cancer". BBC News. 20 May 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
- ^ "DServe Archive Catalog Show". Nottinghamshire County Council. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Alan Oakley โ Telegraph". The Daily Telegraph. 21 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
External links