NEARLY 40 bikers braved the cold on Sunday to take part in a memorial run to commemorate Fred Hill, a keen biker who died 28 years ago while serving a 60-day prison sentence for choosing not to wear a helmet.

Members of the Cornish branch of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) started at Smokey Joe's café between Blackwater and Scorrier, then continued to Porthowan, St Agnes, Perranporth and finally Truro, where they laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in memory of Mr Hill.

Mr Hill, who was born in Yorkshire, began his involvement with the MAG in 1976. His refusal to wear a helmet while riding his motorcycle resulted in 31 spells in prison, some as short as 24 hours, before his death at Pentonville Prison, London. His personal campaign involved him never wearing a helmet and never paying a fine, which is what landed him behind bars.

Philip Neale, of the Cornish MAG, said a couple of riders even rode helmet-less for a few minutes on Sunday before submitting to the cold.

He added: "The feelings were mixed among the group of riders, with half not really aware of who Fred Hill was. These rides are becoming more relevant though, with a long series of legislation like day-glo clothing and high-viz jackets being imposed on bikers by politicians."

The group objects to compulsory helmet laws and Mr Neale said bikers were trying to engage more with politicians on the issue.

Mr Neale said bikers would lobby Parliament on March 7 and Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, was lobbying the council to allow bikers into bus lanes.

The Cornish MAG meets on the first Thursday, monthly, at the Swan Inn, Truro.