Edward Gerald Forbes

Edward Forbes was a carpenter by trade, but he made his name as the owner of a cycle shop.

He established Forbes Cycle Shop on Harbour Road, Paget in 1932 and ran it for more than 40 years.

He learned the ins and outs of the cycle business at Jones Livery Shop at Inverurie Hotel, where he worked his way up to the post of manager, before quitting to start his own business.

Forbes Cycle Shop was an institution. It attracted customers from all over Bermuda and tourists came calling when he moved into motorcycle rentals.

 He specialized in painting and stripping of bicycles as well as general sales.  His skill at restoring old bikes and his commitment to customer service ensured his success.

 A man of many talents, he built houses and boats, sang in the choirs of St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Anglican churches and was a member of St. Paul’s Vestry.

During the Second World War, he contributed to the island’s security and emergency services as a volunteer light blackout warden and member of St. John’s Ambulance.