Jo Cox Way cyclists set off from Cleckheaton in memory of MP

More than 80 riders gathered at Princess Mary Athletics Stadium, in Cleckheaton, on Wednesday morning to follow Mrs Cox’s journey to London in the ninth annual Jo Cox Way event.

The ride aims to keep alive the legacy of the Batley & Spen Labour MP – who was shot and stabbed by a far-right terrorist in June 2016 – by promoting community spirit and supporting causes that were important to her.

Jo Cox was murdered in 2016

The riders will arrive in London on Sunday, with stops in Buxton, Derbyshire; Market Bosworth in Leicestershire; Cranfield in Buckinghamshire; and Egham in Surrey.

The youngest cyclist this year is 16 and the oldest is 78, while 42 of the 83 riders are women, which means that female riders will outnumber male riders for the first time.

Mrs Cox’s sister Kim Leadbeater, who is now the Labour MP for Spen Valley spoke of the ride during PMQs on Wednesday.

Addressing Ms Leadbeater, Prime Minister Keir Starmer wished all those involved good luck.

He described it as a "brilliant cause" and spoke of how much Jo Cox is missed.

The PM added: "I know that she would have been incredibly proud to have seen this government in place and would have played a big part in it.

"I'd like to welcome my honourable friend back to her place and I know that she will continue in Jo's spirit with the same dedication and determination.

"I think I'm right in saying that her parents and, of course Jo's parents, are with us in the gallery today to see this first PMQs."

Echoing the poignant words of Jo Cox in her maiden speech, Sir Keir said: "We will always have more in common than that which divides us."

North Yorkshire businessman Sarfraz Mian, who started The Jo Cox Way only a few weeks after her death, said: “As well as more riders than ever before, we also have a record number of new riders this year, which is a powerful indicator that Jo’s message, that we have more in common than that which divides us, still resonates across the country.

Kim Leadbeater MP and charity bike ride founder Sarfraz Mian speak to the media at Flat Iron Square, in Southwark, London, following the 2023 Jo Cox Way ride (Image: PA)

“The Jo Cox Way is a very visible example of people from different communities working together for a common goal.”

(Image: Tim Smith/PA Wire)

Mrs Cox’s sister Kim Leadbeater, who is now the Labour MP for Spen Valley, said on Tuesday: “The Jo Cox Way is a really powerful part of Jo’s legacy and my mum and dad and I wish all the 2024 cyclists the very best of luck for a fantastic journey.

“It’s a wonderful five days and it’s everything Jo would have loved.

“Cycling has enormous physical and mental health benefits, and also helps combat loneliness and isolation – which Jo cared deeply about.

riders setting off The riders set off from Princess Mary Athletics Stadium in Cleckheaton (Image: Tim Smith/PA Wire)

“She was also a passionate campaigner for gender equality so it’s wonderful to see so many women riding this year.

Batley & Spen MP Kim Leadbeater, the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox at Flat Iron Square, in Southwark, London, following the Jo Cox Way charity bike ride in 2023 (Image: PA)
“Cycling isn’t just for middle-aged men in Lycra, it’s for everyone. These riders are inspirational."

One of the women cycling this year will be project manager Sam Hunter, 52, from Bradford, who said: “I only learnt to ride a bike during the pandemic.

“I didn’t know how to ride so borrowed a bike for my first lesson. I’d never used gears and I couldn’t understand what the instructor was on about when he told me to change gears. But I persisted and got to grips with it.

“I’ve come a long way since then, met lots of new people and cycling has opened up a whole new world for me.”

The ride raises funds for The Jo Cox Foundation. More details can be found at www.jocoxfoundation.org and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/jocoxway2024.