Pedal Pushers In Stoke Road Closes – Last Day Saturday, March 30

Published on: 14 Mar, 2019
Updated on: 17 Mar, 2019

by Hugh Coakley

Brothers, Bill and Doug Staniforth are retiring and closing the doors on Pedal Pushers, the bicycle sales and repair shop, after at least 38 years in business.

Pedal Pushers in Stoke Road, Guildford is closing after 32 years at the shop and more than 38 years in business. The last day will be Saturday, March 30.

It was started by another brother, David, in a shed behind the King’s Head pub, just around the corner. That was about 1980 and he was just repairing bicycles then.

He moved to premises in Woodbridge Road in 1981, where the Futon Company is now, and began selling and repairing bikes.

Bill and Doug joined the business and they moved to the shop in Stoke Road in 1987, the day after the great storm. They have enjoyed a successful business there since.

Bill Staniforth working on a bike at Pedal Pushers in Stoke Road.

Customer Steve Speer was disappointed to see the shop close. He said: “This must be the last independent bike shop in Guildford. They have always done a good job at a good price and it’s local.”

When asked about his retirement, Bill, who started as an apprentice mechanic with Dennis Brothers Ltd, said with a grin: “I’m going to live a life of leisure.” but then added that his wife had a long list of jobs waiting for him.

“I’m past retirement age now and it is time. I’m going to enjoy it first and then decide what I’m going to do.”

Famous customers at the shop have included Zola Budd, Sandi Toksvig, Michael Buerk and Guildford MP Anne Milton, who is often seen cycling in town.

Bill said: “It’s been a good business. I would really like to thank all our customers. Some of them have been with us since we started.”

Bill Staniforth holding up the ‘Retirement Sale’ sign which had just arrived at the shop.

The last day at the shop will be Saturday, March 30.

The premises are being taken over by the Kernow Model Rail Centre.

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