Identifiernot specifiedPhotographernot specifiedDescriptionBanner Forbutt was an amateur cyclist who turned professional in 1935. An incident at a race in Kogarah saw him create unique types of cycles to ride and eventually make a career out of becoming a famous trick cyclist. During the 30s and 40s, he became known as 'The Whistling Pedaller' and travelled around with some of the famous Australian variety shows of the time. He was often the main entertainment between bouts at Boxing tournaments. He went to Europe in the 1950s where he had success travelling around England entertaining the audiences with his many unique cycling skills.
Banner Forbutt was involved in the 1948 train accident when hundreds of people were thrown into tangled heaps due to the Cessnock Express crashing into the rear of the Newcastle Flyer near Cowan Station. 30 passengers were treated at Hornsby Hospital for their injuries, including Banner who suffered a broken nose and a cut face.