Fred Hill’s legacy is an integral part of the Motorcycle Action Group’s history. Fred was an activist who – whilst never against the wearing of helmets – saw the law that made it compulsory as an infringement of our personal freedom of choice.
“We see Fred as a freedom fighter: he fought for what he believed in.”
Fred Hill’s refusal to pay the fines he incurred by riding helmetless saw him handed 31 prison sentences between 1976 and 1984. It was while serving his final sentence that Hill suffered a heart attack and died on February 10th, 1984, aged 74.
Memorial ride-outs in Fred’s honour continue to this day, every February, all over the UK.
Watch the Thames Valley Fred Hill Run 2019…
Watch the Peterborugh Fred Hill Run 2014…
To read more about Fred's life click here. Read more…
“… it does not seem to me that the magistrates – or the police who brought these prosecutions – have anything to be very proud about. (…) Perhaps his case will not make a very convincing hero. But I will tip my soft, felt hat to him, even if no-one else does.”
An edited extract from his daughter Patricia’s tribute to Fred at his funeral was published in MAG News in 1984 alongside five pages of tributes including many media tributes from both motorcycling magazines and newspapers alike.
“During this last week, tributes have poured in from all kinds of people from all over the country; teaching and office colleagues, MPs, neighbours, prison officers, members of The Motorcycle Action Group and policemen, as well as from many who had never met him, but who admired his courage and integrity. It says much for him that he made friends amongst both police and prison officers who, without exception, speak of him with affection and respect. To all he was ‘Fred’.
Many have said how dreadful it was that he died in custody, and I have thought so too, at first, but I have since changed my mind. His death came as a stunning blow because it was so totally unexpected, but when the initial shock had passed, I could be glad that he went out still fighting for the personal freedom in which he so deeply believed, provided that freedom hurt no-one else. The day before he died, he wrote a letter to the secretary of the Motorcycle Action Group, ending with the words: ‘If we don’t keep up the fight we deserve all that will certainly come to us. Freedom has to be deserved.’”
To join a Fred Hill Run in your area, check out the list of planned runs for this year:
York MAG
York MAG’s Fred Hill run is on Sunday 5th February, meeting at Strawberry Fields Cafe, Crockey Hill, YO19 4SJ, from 10am. Departure at 11am and the destination is Helmsley via the B1363. We will be rolling through York city centre to make some noise!!! York MAG Facebook
Leeds and Bradford MAG
Leeds and Bradford MAG’s Fred Hill ride will be held on Sunday 5th February, meeting from 10am at Squires Cafe, Newthorpe Lane, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 5LX, to leave at 10.30 prompt to ride to The Sun Inn at Norwood, Nr Otley. The run will take us through the fabulous North Yorkshire countryside ending at The Sun Inn, Brame Lane, Norwood HG3 1SZ. www.thesun-inn.com.
Taunton MAG
Meet at The Maypole Inn, Thurloxton TA2 8RF at 11am on the Saturday the 11th of February. Leaving at 12pm, riding to Shepton Mallet Prison and parking inside the prison walls. Once there, there is the option to book a tour. Contact Sarah on taunton-rep@mag-uk.org.
Greater London MAG
The Greater London Fred Hill Run will leave from the Ace Cafe at 11.30am, Sunday February 12th. Riding to Pentonville Prison where a wreath will be laid in Freds honour. Greater London MAG Facebook
North West MAG
Meet at 12pm on Sunday 12th February 2023 at McDonalds Barrow on the A59, BB7 9WF, to ride up to Sawley Abbey. North West MAG Facebook
