Tributes have been paid to Huntingdon cyclist Mike Gough who campaigned for safer routes and better infrastructure for his fellow cyclists.

Mike Gough, 65, from Rodney Road in Huntingdon, was killed when his bicycle was struck by a van on George Street on March 16.

Mike was the owner of Roadies Cycles in Hartford, Huntingdonshire, and was much-loved by the community.

In a tribute, Camcycle said: "He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things cycling from policy to sport and was an expert mechanic, tackling everything from school holiday tune-ups to bespoke racing bike builds.

"One of the founder members of Hunts Walking & Cycling group, he was an enthusiastic advocate for more cycle infrastructure and safer streets, and enjoyed sharing his love of cycling with others at cycle events and on local social rides. He also had fans across the country thanks to his passionate posts as @RoadiesCycles on X/Twitter.

John Morris, leader of the Hunts Walking & Cycling Group, said: “Mike was one of the nicest, most generous, kind-hearted gentlemen I have ever had the privilege to call my friend.

"He was part of our group from the very first meeting and campaigned tirelessly for safer streets. Only last week, he was calling for a safer route between Huntingdon and St Ives following the death of Denise Hinds on the A1123. We are heartbroken and will miss him dearly.”

Anna Williams, head of campaigns & engagement at Camcycle, said: “It is heart-breaking when anyone is killed while cycling and so much more devastating when it is a friend.

"Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Mike. We’re grateful for all the work he did in Huntingdonshire enabling and encouraging others to cycle through his business and volunteering.

"We’ll continue to support those who want to see a safer cycle network in the district in memory of Mike and to ensure that no more families are left suffering after tragic incidents like this.”

Cambridgeshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, which happened at 12.30pm on Saturday 16 March in George Street, Huntingdon.

They have arrested the driver of a white Ford transit van, a 73-year-old man from Huntingdon, on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has been bailed to return to Thorpe Wood Police Station on June 16.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, saw the vehicles in the moments leading up to the incident or was in the area at the time and may have dash cam footage, should use the online reporting tool at cambs.police.uk/report or call 101 quoting incident 231 of 16 March.

Vikki Beale, commenting on the police appeal on Facebook, said: “On behalf of the Sassy Lassies [women’s cycling group], some of whom knew Mike, including me, we are saddened to hear of this tragic loss. Sending heartfelt sympathies to Mike's family and friends.”

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson, who also knew Mike personally, paid tribute to him at a meeting of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board on March 20.

He said: “Mike Gough was a character who really cared about his community … and best known for his passion for cycling.

"I’m very much aware that the county of Huntingdonshire is grieving on this and I include myself in that.

"He was a huge advocate for the benefits of cycling, for active travel, for safe spaces on our roads and on our pavements, not just in the local area but across Europe. He inspired me to be interested in cycling and will be sorely, sorely missed.

“We have a commitment within the Combined Authority, working with our partners, to improve road safety, to be an exemplar for the region. We are part of Vision Zero. His tragic death will not be forgotten, it will be used time and time again to influence me and hopefully all of you to get to a better place in terms of road safety for our area.”