Two Wheels To Nowhere

rollersinstinct:

An ex-London Fire Brigade hose layer bike that accompanied a 1960s-era hose layer, a specialised fire appliance that carried huge quantities of hoses to connect distant fire hydrants or other water sources to the scene of a fire. The vehicle would be dispatched to support major emergencies where local water supplies might be insufficient to fight the fire. 

The expected distance between the appliance and the water sources was so long that two of these bicycles were carried internally to assist in quickly towing the hoses to the hydrants. The bike also carried connection pieces and a hydrant key.

Thanks to Andy Arthur’s Flickr stream for this one.

In North America, bicycles are largely seen as recreational vehicles. I love seeing really practical applications for bikes, like this one used by London Fire Brigade.