Michael Atkins on the Guild Wheel

Preston’s Guild Wheel is approaching its first anniversary of operation and one of its designers will be honoured.

Civil engineer Mike Atkins passed away in January this year and he played a major role in creating the Guild Wheel.

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The cycleway which goes around the outer rim of the city has proved popular with families and professional cyclists alike since opening in August 2012.

Heather Atkins, daughter of Mike, said a plaque to commemorate her father’s input into the Wheel was being planned.

She said the plaque was most likely to be positioned on the Avenham Park stretch of the route.

Dominic Rigby, environmental projects officer with Lancashire County Council, said the council had plans to celebrate Atkins’ contribution to cycling.

He said: “It is intended to place a plaque on one of the Guild Wheel Mile Markers in the vicinity of Avenham Park acknowledging Mike Atkins’s contribution.

“The suggestion to name or dedicate a small section of the Wheel after him is also being discussed, but as of yet there are no firm decisions as to where and when this could be.”

Heather Atkins is now planning to organise a Memorial Ride to celebrate her father’s life.

She said no firm plans were in place but she was interested in “re-kindling some of the Guild magic one year on”.

The ride would help raise funds for Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, and Marie Curie Cancer Care and Cancer Help.

The Guardian ran an obituary on Mike Atkins’ life and career in March.

Did you know Mike? Would you take part in a memorial ride? Let us know in the comments below