Who would consider making a  ‘celebratory protest’ involving a four day reverse pedestrian walk across the world’s largest single-spanned bridge at the time. I would! But why….

Well here’s the story:

My  inspired reaction resulting from the fear whilst walking on the Humberbridge - was lodged in my mind. I took a walk across the bridge and was overwhelmed by the scale and vibrating structure - set in a lonely and gigantic estuary. In addition to tackling this phobia I was aware of many arguments in the press and media about the political changes to Humberside and the reinstatement of East Yorkshire. The eventual day came  - April 1st 1996!

Not much was being done to celebrate or ‘mark’ this occasion,  so I decided to carry out an action which involved walking backwards (formally known as reverse pedestrianism) across the Humberbridge, starting on the last day in March 1996 and completing on the 1st day in April 1996 (April Fools Day). I walked 22 miles backwards, having repeatingly crossed over the bridge on a daily basis (four times per day).

The action was popularised and reported in the media in which I was broadcast live on regional TV, national and local radio including the press. A half page article in the national Daily Mail news annouunced ‘Man with mirrors risks fallen arches to mark the end of an era.’ A short film was also commissioned by Yorkshire Arts Board called Bridge. Hopefully to be uploaded  on this site soon!

On April 1st 1996 The Daily Mail dedicate a full colour half page

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