Chris Boardman CBE announced as patron of Wheels for All
Wheels for All, the national inclusive cycling charity, is proud to announce that Chris Boardman CBE has joined as its new Patron, bringing his celebrated cycling expertise to help push forward the organisation’s mission.
Chris Boardman is one of Britain’s most revered cyclists, renowned for his dominance in time trials and prologue stages. His extraordinary achievements include winning the inaugural men's World Time Trial Championship in 1994, claiming Olympic gold in the individual pursuit at Barcelona 1992 and setting the Hour Record three times. He also won prologue stages at the Tour de France, earning him the coveted yellow jersey on three occasions.
Since retiring, he has become a prominent advocate for walking and cycling. He served as Greater Manchester's Walking and Cycling Commissioner (2017), Transport Commissioner (2021), was appointed the Chair of Sport England in 2021 and the Commissioner of Active Travel England in 2022. In 2024, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his ongoing services to active travel.
Wheels for All is the largest provider of inclusive cycling in England and Wales. The charity provides adapted cycles and expert trained leaders to support disabled people, individuals with long-term health conditions, and others who would otherwise be unable to cycle.
Recognised nationally for its impact, Wheels for All was named the 2024 BikeBiz Diversity Champions and was nominated for the Community Group Award at the 2025 Scope Awards.
In a major step forward for inclusive access, Wheels for All is also partnering with Halfords, the UK’s leading retailer of motoring, cycling and leisure products and services. The collaboration forms part of Halfords’ Cycle to Work scheme, enabling both employees and businesses to access inclusive cycling opportunities through Wheels for All. This pioneering partnership will help remove barriers to cycling and ensure that more people, regardless of ability, can enjoy the freedom and wellbeing benefits of riding a bike.
Chris Boardman, CBE, said:
"I’ve supported Wheels for All from the very beginning — more than 30 years ago when the first hub started in Manchester. They’ve built up a huge amount of experience in making cycling genuinely inclusive for disabled people, and they’re still leading the way.
"There are gaps in access to cycling for disabled people across the country, and it’s great to see Wheels for All looking to remedy that by setting up new centres or supporting others to do it. They provide an invaluable service to local communities, especially for those that need it most, and I’m happy to back them as they continue to grow."
Ian Tierney, CEO, Wheels for All, said:
"We are honoured to welcome Chris Boardman CBE as our Patron. His commitment to inclusive transport and his leadership within cycling will inspire our participants, volunteers and partners. Chris’s support strengthens our drive to deliver on our mission — that by 2029, every local authority will have an inclusive cycling offer. Together, we can make our vision a reality."
"Our new partnership with Halfords is another exciting milestone in that journey. By working together, we can make inclusive cycling part of everyday life not just through our hubs, but through workplaces and businesses too."
Under Chris Boardman’s patronage and in partnership with Halfords, Wheels for All anticipates reaching even broader audiences and amplifying its impact across the UK. Chris will feature in ambassadorial roles namely providing strategic advice, raising public profile through events and media, and helping shape future policy and growth. This advocacy and partnership will support Wheels for All’s ambition to establish Centres of Excellence in every region and to work alongside partners to build a nationwide inclusive cycling network.
This new chapter underscores Wheels for All’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and empowering cycling culture for all.
