Ernest Wilfred Higgins, also known as 'Wilf Higgins', was a Mancunian cyclist who competed at the international level in the 1930s. He cycled with the Manchester Wheelers Club. Higgins won a gold medal at the British Empire Games held in Fallowfield in 1934 for his performance in the 1000 yard sprint. He also won London's cycling Grand Prix and, together with D.S. Horn, the Tandem National Championship in 1935.

Established in 1883 and originally called the Manchester Athletic Bicycle Club, this cycling organisation changed its name to the Manchester Wheelers Club in 1889. Initially exclusively male, women were allowed to join from 1969. Known currently as the Manchester Wheelers, the club celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2013. The club held its first race in 1884 and its first road race in 1887. Hill climbs began in 1896 and time trials in 1900. The club's popular annual race meet was held from 1884 until 1975 at the Fallowfield track, attracting competitors from around the world. Touring was also an important aspect of club life, and from 1885 medals were awarded to anyone who cycled more than 150 miles in a day. The club became a dominant force in British track and road cycling in the 1980s and early 1990s, when sponsorship from Austin Trumann's Steel enabled members to become semi-professional. Notable members of the Manchester Wheelers include Wilf Higgins (winner of the 1934 British Empire Games 1000 yard race), Reg Harris (winner of the World Amateur Sprint Championship in 1947), Emma Davies (Olympic competitor) and Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman.