Remembering fallen cyclists
The 100th Annual Cyclists’ Service and Social Gathering took place at St Michael’s Church, Coxwold, North Yorkshire on Sunday 10 May 2026.
This was the first of the two annual cyclist memorial services commemorating cyclists who lost their lives in conflict.
The event is held annually each May and is organised jointly by CTC North Yorkshire and Teeside CTC, with support from the village and local Women's Institute.
I attended the Cyclists’ Memorial Service in Coxwold on behalf of Cycling UK, alongside trustee Ben Still. The service was led by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, who delivered a deeply engaging sermon, thoughtfully weaving together his personal experiences of cycling with reflections on faith.
Following the service, the archbishop unveiled a commemorative plaque at the lychgate to mark the 100th anniversary of the Coxwold service. Reaching such a milestone – despite the interruptions of the Second World War and the global pandemic – is a remarkable achievement, and testament to the dedication and commitment of all those who have been involved in delivering the service over the past century.
It was a genuine privilege to be invited and connect with many of the 100 plus cyclists who had travelled from across the region to attend. The occasion was not only reflective and meaningful, but also warmly social – complemented, fittingly, by excellent cake!
I hope to see you next year on 9 May 2027.
Paul Howard
Commercial Products Manager
On Sunday 17 May at 11am on Meriden Village Green, near Coventry, the 105th Cyclists’ Memorial Service was held, led by The Reverend Kevin Flanagan. More than 200 cyclists attended from across the UK, including one who had set out by bike from Wales at 3.15am.
Unfortunately, poor health prevented John Flanagan from joining us this year. John has attended the service without fail every year for 70 consecutive years and he received a special mention from Dave Hearn.
I was delighted to be invited to represent Cycling UK and welcome everyone to this year’s memorial service which holds a special place in the cycling community, bringing cyclists together to honour cyclists who lost their lives in conflict, and to recognise the shared history, strength and spirit of cycling.
It is believed that the first British soldier killed in World War I was Private John Parr, a reconnaissance cyclist with the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment.
It was wonderful to talk to Annette Mackenzie, Mayor of Solihull, alongside cyclists who had travelled far and wide, as well the residents and their families who joined us.
The Reverend Kevin Flanagan led the memorial service, including hymns, a reading Micah Chapter 4 Verses 1-5 and prayers accompanied once again by the Bulkington Silver Band whose music was truly uplifting.
I was honoured to be asked to lay a wreath on behalf of Cycling UK alongside wreaths from Coventry CTC and other groups and organisations. Meriden Library opened specially for the morning.
After the service I watched historical video footage of the service throughout the years. I visited the exhibition which included the history behind the Cyclists War Memorial and the siting of the 9-metre obelisk made from Cornish grey granite with a stepped top and inscription panel, the popularity of Meriden for cyclists and how Meriden became the centre of England.
Afterwards we gathered in the village hall to socialise and share stories, not forgetting the fantastic cakes baked by the Meriden Women’s Institute.
On behalf of everyone who attended, I’d like to say a massive thank you to Dave Hearn from Coventry CTC who, with help from his wife Margaret, has organised the service for the past eight years.
Next years’ service will be held on 16 May 2027. Look out for more details about both services in CycleClips and Cycle magazine and hope to see you there.
