Born on 24 December 1855[1] Starley lived on Church Hill, Walthamstow, London, England.

[citation needed] In 1885, Starley made history when he produced the Rover Safety Bicycle.

[8][9] The Rover was a rear-wheel-drive, chain-driven cycle with two similar-sized wheels, making it more stable than the previous high wheeler designs.

Cycling magazine said the Rover had "set the pattern to the world" and the phrase was used in their advertising for many years.

[citation needed] Soon after Starley's death the Rover company began building motorcycles and then cars.