British bikes usually had the gear lever operated by the right foot. This changed in the 1970's to the left foot due to most of the rest of world using this arrangement. Changing up to a higher gear could be by moving the foot upwards or downwards depending on the manufacturer.
Until recently I had four bikes. (now only two). The modern bike had six gears, up for up, left foot change. Late 70's bike had five gears, up for up, also left foot. Mid sixties bike, still have this one, right foot change, four gears, up for up. Fifties / sixties hybrid, with reversed gear lever, right foot change, four gears, down for up. Just had to remember which bike I was on, so's I didn't use the wrong foot or go the wrong way.
