Laura Richardson

Laura Richardson is thought to be the first woman to ride a bicycle in the streets of Kent. Her father, Charles John Hawkins, was among the pioneers of cycling and didn’t give up cycling until the age of 82. Her family lived here in Victoria Road and were friends with the famous novelist Charles Dickens.

Hixxy’s mural celebrates Laura’s spirit, highlighting how bicycles empowered women and prompted changes in fashion, replacing heavy skirts with practical bloomers for freedom and independence.