WIRRAL Olympian Chris Boardman has been made a CBE in the King’s birthday honours.

Boardman’s CBE recognises his work as commissioner at Active Travel England, the government’s executive agency responsible for making walking, wheeling and cycling the preferred choice for everyone to get around.

The cyclist, 55, won the inaugural men's World time trial championship in 1994, won the individual pursuit gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics, broke the world hour record three times, and wore the yellow jersey on three occasions at the Tour de France.

In 1992, Boardman, from Hoylake, was awarded an MBE for services to cycling.

Since his retirement, Boardman has worked to promote walking and cycling across the UK, becoming Greater Manchester's walking and cycling commissioner in 2017, Greater Manchester's Transport Commissioner in 2021 and most recently, Commissioner of Active Travel England.

“‘I’m delighted to receive this honour for services to active travel,” Boardman said. “I started this journey many years ago when my daughter, Agatha, wanted to ride to the park. Even though it was just 500 metres away I felt I had to say no, because I wasn’t sure I could keep her safe. That felt wrong, so I decided to do something about it.

“Nearly 20 years on, the fight has never been more relevant, so it’s been an easy cause to champion, especially as I know most parents would love transport independence for their kids too. And if they have it, we all do.”