Earlier this week Push Bikes members were saddened to hear of the recent death of Howard Boyd. This followed a long term debilitating illness during which his wife, Esther, devoted her love and total commitment to his welfare. Push Bikes' sincere sympathy goes to all the Boyd family with our heartfelt condolences.

Howard and Esther have been long term members of Push Bikes serving on the committee since the late '80s. On at least two occasions Howard has been elected Chairman. His professional career as a traffic engineer gave us at Push Bikes expertise that has proved invaluable in our campaigning work. During these years Push Bikes established a working relationship with the City Council (representation on the Cycling Advisory Group), other West Midlands organisations, and regular press coverage. There was also a wide social rides programme (remember the Great Midland Cycle Ride?), Commuter Challenge and Broken Wheel Award.

Additionally Howard has worked with the English Regions Cycling Development team supporting their efforts to promote local authority good practice on cycling policy, and with CTC (now CyclingUK) as their policy advisor. His encyclopaedic knowledge of safe cycling policy, politics and research has also been recognised by a CTC Certificate of Merit award.

Howard and Esther's back-story and contribution is covered in more detail in a separate article.

The celebration of Howard's life will be held at the Cotteridge Quaker Meeting House, 2pm Sunday 17th November, and at Lodge Hill Crematorium 2.30pm, Tuesday November 5th.