The man who designed the iconic Raleigh Chopper bicycle has died of cancer. Alan Oakley, 85, from my home town Nottingham, passed away on Friday. Apparently the unique Raleigh Chopper came to life on the back of an envelope in 1967, inspired by the design of Peter Fonda’s motorbike in the cult film “Easy Rider”.

Raleigh sold 1.5 million Choppers in the UK throughout the 1970s and it saved the firm from bankruptcy. It rather surprises me that more Raleigh Choppers were not sold, as they seemed to be on every street corner, in every park and on every piece of wasteground during the decade of the 1970s. Alan Oakley’s design for the Raleigh Chopper revolutionised the conventional design for a pushbike, which had not radically changed since the Penny Farthing bike disappeared from society.

The Raleigh Chopper ( and it’s younger sibling The Chipper ) were two of the most iconic designs and modes of transport in the 1970s. To celebrate Alan Oakley’s life and his classic bicycle, here’s a Top 15 Most Iconic Modes of Transport in the 1970s…..

Top 15 Most Iconic Modes of Transport in the 1970s

1)  Raleigh Chopper

2)  Ford Capri

3)  Skateboard

4)  Bubble Car

5)  Space Hoppers

6)  Ford Cortina

7)  Roller Skates

8)  NASA Apollo Rocket

9)  Ford Gran Torino ( From “Starsky & Hutch” )

10)  Amphibious Lotus Esprit ( From Bond film “Spy Who Loved Me” )

11 )  Bond Bug

12)  Jaguar XJS ( From TV series “Return of The Saint” )

13)  Herbie The Lovebug ( VW Beetle )

14)  Dodge Charger ( From the “Dukes of Hazzard” )

15)  The Tardis ( Dr Who )

Celebrate the 1970s, by immortalising this iconic decade’s soundtrack in your own home or workplace / office. You can order your favourite 1970s songs on vinyl record single, framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque. ORDER NOW…….. http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records with a personalised plaque, make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!