Tributes flow as bike industry icon Michael Bonney says final goodbye

It is with great sadness that we report that life long bicycle industry icon Michael Bonney has opted to end his life following a 6.5 year spell living with almost complete paralysis.

Bonney, who is known to many in the business for his time helping shape UK bike label Orange Bikes, suffered a broken neck in a horrific crash while cycling the Eden Valley Sportive on March 3rd, 2013.

In a dignified and insightful post on his Facebook page, Bonney let the world know this morning, having broken the news to closer friends over the summer. With winter approaching, Bonney outlined that there was little he could take from life with his body deteriorating further.

Bonney thanks numerous friends from around the trade, including those at Ison for whom he continued to work after the crash. The bicycle industry’s efforts to provide financial support to the industry veteran via the Ride for Michael trust was also recognised by the thankful Bonney.

Signing off, Bonney says: “Despite everything I still love cycling and hope that the Ride 4 Michael aim of keeping people riding bikes continues in spirit. It doesn’t need me to do that it just needs you to keep riding.”

Tributes have poured in from around the bicycle business. CyclingIndustry.News extends our thoughts to Michael and his family at this time.