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Cycling champion welcomes return of mass bike ride

Susie Rack
BBC News, West Midlands
City of Wolverhampton Council Three men standing in front of a racing bike on a path next to a park. A sign in the background reads East Park. A man at the centre with white hair in beige trousers, pink shirt and blazer leans against it, holding the handlebar. A man on his left is in a blue jacket and cycling helmet, and on his right a man in a navy suit with pink shirt. City of Wolverhampton Council
Former cycling champion Hugh Porter, pictured centre with organiser Sam Henry and councillor Qaiser Azeem, will set bike ride participants off on 14 June

A former world champion cyclist from Wolverhampton has called the return of a mass bike ride to the city "music to my ears".

Hugh Porter MBE, who has been Wolverhampton's cycling ambassador since 2021, said he wished the city's second Kidical Mass family bike ride on 14 June "every success".

People of all ages are encouraged to take part, with riders pedalling from East Park on a 4.5 mile (7.2km) route to Molineux Stadium and back.

Porter, who won Commonwealth Games gold in 1966 and four world titles in the individual pursuit, will set cyclists off shortly after midday.

The event has been organised by Sam Henry from No Limits to Health CIC, alongside City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and Transport for West Midlands.

It is also supported by the charity Cycling UK, British Cycling and Sustrans.

City of Wolverhampton Council said there would be bike skills and learn-to-ride sessions in addition to music and entertainment at East Park between 11:00 and 15:00 BST.

Getty Images A black and white image of a man on a racing bike on a circular track. He is wearing tight cycling shorts and top and a helmet and is leaning forward in a racing position. Standing crowds several people deep watch from behind a barrier at the outside of the track.Getty Images
Former champion cyclist Hugh Porter taking part in an event at Herne Hill, London, in April 1966

Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement aiming to make cities more cycle-friendly for children and young people.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, the council's cabinet member for transport, said it was a "wonderful opportunity" to practice safe cycling on public routes.

Those taking part are asked to bring their own bikes and helmets, with younger children to be accompanied by an adult.

Porter, who went on to become the BBC's voice of cycling for many years, said: "As a former world champion and cycling ambassador for the city it is music to my ears to see people riding bikes.

"I wish the Kidical Mass family bike ride every success on the day, and I hope it attracts lots of youngsters to pedal around the route."

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