This is the fifth issue in the Royal Mail Heritage: Transport series, which began in 2016 as part of the Royal Mail 500 celebrations. Bicycles have been used for the delivery of mail since at least 1880 when tricycles were trialled in Coventry.
The stamps feature historic designs used from the 1880s until today: an 1882 Pentacycle; a 1902 Motorcycle and trailer; a 1920 Tricycle and basket; a 1949 Bicycle; a 1965 Motorcycle and a 2002 Quad bike.
The Gold 500 cover features an image of a GPO motorcycle framed by an intricate 22ct gold-blocked design and carries a Wheel Lane, Preston pictorial handstamp together with a Mail by Bike cachet. Numbered limited edition of 500.
