The Curator

photo by George Marshall

Alice Marsh, event curator for the Design Museum’s upcoming exhibition – Bike v Design – gave us a quick glimpse into the project and her thoughts on being a cyclist in London.

How did Bike v Design come about?

The current exhibition, Designed to Win, explores the impact of design on sports performance and features a section on the (track) hour record. As part of the Museum's related talks we were asked if it was worth putting on a bike event. We said 'Yes!' Then via social media and a great day out to Bespoked Bristol everyone went crazy and it exploded into what is now Bike v Design.

Cycling is known as a very aesthetic sport, is this something represented at the show?

To me the mark of excellent design is not just functionality but also aesthetics. There are so many beautiful bicycles out there and so much attention given to the finest details. I plan to continue the event into a larger annual festival but for now we have kept the format very tight so we are keeping the aesthetic appreciation to bikes. The evening is a completely indulgent event to appreciate the pure beauty of a perfect weld or a beautifully functioning cantilever… Certainly bike design geekery (or bike porn, whichever you prefer). I also wanted to show the importance of film and photography to riding with so many edits, films and photos out there. We are really pleased to be showing some films from the Bicycle Film Festival.

What is your favourite part of the show?

I think it is that all these different riders from all these different tribes are in one place talking and having fun. The perception of some types of cycling and riders is that they are arrogant and cliquey - rubbish. Most BMXers have a road bike, some polo riders came from BMX, road racers from the velodrome etc.

What parallels would you draw between design and cycling?

It seems a lot of designers and thinkers are keen riders. Every cyclist is a designer. I do not know a single rider that has 'finished' their bike or who isn't planning their next one (whether real or fantasy). There is a freedom to working on your bike.

How do you find life as a cyclist in London?

I moved to London about nine years ago and quickly realised not only was cycling the best way to get anywhere but that I also had a massive fear and hatred of being in a packed tube. I just do not understand why anyone wouldn't cycle. I live in Brixton and so I take the salmon run straight up to Elephant & Castle everyday. Lots of friends hate those big roads but I love it. I enjoy the banter, racing the odd city boy and it is super quick. However, London roads could be much, much better.

What’s your favourite kind of ride?

I know it may sound odd but I do love a massive A road. I used to commute in from Kew, that's a lovely ride and I rode down to Kent to see my parents. It got a bit grimey (and motorway-like in places) but it's so nice just to leave your house and go. There is nothing better than when you get a great straight with green light after green light.

How do you see cycling, design and the city developing in the future?

I think that cycling around London will become the norm and the roads have to change to reflect that. This will also really grow the breadth of cycling and bike design so that every person has the bike to suit their needs whether it’s a road-warrior, a mum taking a trailer full of kids to school, a city commuter or a group of kids. Bikes open up a city whether for transport, projects, sport or socializing.