Cycling for community – 10 years of the Jo Cox Way
Bringing communities together through cycling is something that we aim to do here at Cycling UK. We know that cycling can create connections and break down barriers. It’s also something that the organisers of the Jo Cox Way understand.
Jo Cox Way is a 290-mile multi-day ride from West Yorkshire to London. It takes place every July. The first one took place in 2016, after MP Jo Cox was murdered. The ride aims to remember her and to support the things that she stood for: stronger communities, respectful politics and a fairer world.
The ride was set up by local businessman Sarfraz Mian, with support from Cycling UK’s Lynnette Evans. This year marked its 10th anniversary. The ride has grown from a handful of riders in its first year to more than 100 in 2025.
More than half of participants this year were women, with the oldest being 80-year-old Kath Lyons from Skipton, who took part for the fourth time. Jo Cox was a passionate advocate for gender equality, and as we know far fewer women cycle than men it’s wonderful see this gender parity on a ride in her name.
Two Cycling UK staff members joined the ride on different days this year to help celebrate 10 years of the ride. Read on for their stories.
Monica Scigliano, Senior Policy Officer
“I joined the group for the second part of day 1, since I wasn’t able to get to the starting point in time by train. I got to the lunch stop before the cyclists started to arrive and spent an hour or so chatting with the organisers.
“They were really warm and friendly, and I enjoyed learning more about the history of the ride and why they got involved – some of the organisers don’t enjoy cycling themselves but participate for the camaraderie and to support the mission of the ride.
“They made a very cursory assessment of my fitness level – I think I got some extra points for being a Cycling UK staff member but got knocked off a couple points for my Simpsons sticker-covered Halford’s bike! – and suggested I join the fourth group for the rest of the ride.
“However they did their calculations, though, they either overestimated my fitness or underestimated that of my fellow cyclists! Some of the women in my group were more than twice my age, and they still zoomed past me up the steep Peak District hills.
“I was very impressed by both their endurance and ability to keep gabbing while speeding by at break-neck speed. I was also impressed by their fearlessness in the face of high-speed, heavy motor vehicle traffic.
“The route, from Bamford to Buxton, started on B-roads, which I typically avoid because I don’t feel comfortable having lorries pass by at 50mph. With rides like this you do feel safer as part of a pack, though.
“Next year I will do some training beforehand and perhaps go for day 2, which I hear involved a scenic rail-trail – more my type of riding!”
Sophie Gordon, Campaigns Manager
“It’s not every day you rely on a monkey to find your riding companions. I was merrily distracted talking to a couple of fellow riders when I realised that the group I was supposed be in were all further ahead.
“As I gave chase, I soon saw the dangling arms of our large monkey mascot Clyde perched on the back of a bike, encouraging me onwards.
“The bike’s owner Steve had brought Clyde along in an attempt to draw attention to the ride, and hopefully gather more donations. I’m not sure how the donations went, but he was certainly eye-catching!
“I joined day two of the Jo Cox Way, which passed through my childhood playground of the Peak District. We soon escaped Buxton’s rush hour traffic and tackled a long climb into the hills. I was relieved to have chosen the leisurely paced group 7 to ride with when I saw some of the faster riders steaming up the climb.
“I certainly had an easier job than Monica, with an easy-going day on gently undulating lanes and cruising along disused railway trails. From chatting to the organiser Sarfraz, I could see how much effort has gone into curating the route and refining it every year.
“The organisation was superb – it’s not an easy task getting 100 riders out of the door, from A to B, and keeping them fed and watered along the way, but the volunteer team did it all with a smile.
“It was wonderful to see people of all different shapes, sizes and fitness levels taking part in the event, which is testament to its inclusive and welcoming nature – reinforced by the fact that many come back year after year.
“Talking to participants from different places and backgrounds on a ride like this is a great reminder that Jo Cox was completely right: we have more in common than that which divides us.”
Jo Cox Way is over for another year, with the 105 riders and the many organisers taking a well-deserved break. It will return next year. Follow the Jo Cox Way on Facebook for updates.
