THE Jo Cox Way bike ride in memory of the murdered Batley & Spen MP celebrates its fifth anniversary later this month.

More than 70 mixed-ability cyclists will leave West Yorkshire on July 28 at the start of a gruelling, five-day, 280-mile journey to London.

Joining the cyclists for the entire route will be her sister, Kim Leadbeater, MBE, who recently won the Batley & Spen seat herself in a by-election.

The ride begins at the Princess Mary Stadium in Cleckheaton and will finish in London.

Kim said: “I am delighted and extremely excited that the Jo Cox Way ride is back, providing a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and different backgrounds to connect and engage with one another.

"The past 12 months has been incredibly challenging for us all, as so many people have been affected by lockdown and physical distancing. But it is amazing to see that, despite all the difficulties, many people’s commitment to making a difference has only grown stronger, with cyclists joining together for a reinvigorated ride to celebrate the fact that we have ‘far more in common than that which divides us’ – words from Jo’s maiden speech in Parliament.”

North Yorkshire business executive and keen cyclist Sarfraz Mian set up the ride in 2016.

“This year’s ride is going to play an important role in helping to establish a new normal for us all,” he said. “Individuals taking part will form lasting friendships through this shared experience and we will celebrate community in the towns and villages we ride through and do our bit to bring business to local hotels, shops, cafés and pubs as we wend our way through the countryside.

“I never actually met Jo, but her belief in creating a fairer, kinder world for everyone really touched me and spurred me on to develop the Jo Cox Way so that I and my fellow cyclists can help continue her work and celebrate her big heart, generosity of spirit and commitment to bring about change.”

The five-day ride is now full up for those wishing to cycle the entire route. However, anyone still interested in taking part is invited to join the group as a day rider on different sections of the journey. Full details can be found on the Jo Cox Way Facebook page and website, thejocoxway.org.uk.

Organisers are also running a virtual ride to allow people from all over the world to participate by getting on their bikes and pledging miles.

“We introduced this model last year, when Covid brought a halt to our original plans, and couldn’t believe just how successful it was,” explained Kim. “We set a target of 25,000 miles – the distance required to circumnavigate the globe – and were astounded to see this smashed by families, community groups, friends and individuals who clocked up a staggering 30,267 miles between them.

“Cyclists loved taking part and really rose to the challenge, so the virtual ride is back by popular demand – and this time we are aiming to cycle twice around the world, a total of 50,000 miles! Anyone can join in by doing a short family ride or taking on their own personal physical challenge.”

For anyone wishing to sponsor the cyclists, donations can be made online at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/jocoxway2021.