Chris Hutt

It is shocking and saddening to hear of the death of Chris Hutt, who has added so much to Bristol's current cycling and blogging scene - not least with his own Green Bristol Blog, and with his challenging comments on other blogs, including this one.

Chris was very much his own man, not frightened of controversy or even of ridicule, as when he dared to point out that the unofficial practice of using the Trenchard Street car park lifts to take a bike up a hill could actually be a recognised option that would encourage cycling. His contention that road space for residents parking should be considered a tradeable market commodity was provocative, but carefully thought out and argued.

I only actually met Chris once, when he spotted me taking photos at Prince Street Bridge and we fell into conversation. I didn't know till seeing the tributes today now just how much we owe to his efforts years ago to establish the Bristol Bath Railway Path, and his more recent involvement in a whole range of cycling events.

A great loss to this city.