The riders, aged between 22 and 80, were taking part in the 11th Jo Cox Way, an annual event which saw them set off from the Princess Mary Athletics Stadium last Wednesday and arrive in London on Sunday, July 26).
The Jo Cox Way began in 2016 to champion the causes Jo was passionate about, and to share the message from her 2015 maiden speech that ‘we have more in common than that which divides us’.
Jo’s parents, Jean and Gordon Leadbeater, and sister Kim Leadbeater, who is now the MP for Spen Valley, were among the crowd greeting riders at the finish line in Bankside, Southwark.
Kim said: “I am overwhelmed with emotion. It is absolutely amazing and it feels wonderful. I know it was hard for them but they should be incredibly proud of themselves.
“This means so much to us as Jo’s family. It’s a really important part of Jo’s legacy. The fact people are still getting on their bikes ten years after Jo was killed to bring communities together, and to create friendships, is wonderful.
“It’s a big physical and psychological endeavour, definitely, but it’s a bike ride like no other because of that sense of togetherness and community.”
The event was founded by Sarfraz Mian, from Stokesley in North Yorkshire, who also completed this year’s ride. He had never met Jo, or even been to Batley or the Spen Valley, when he took it upon himself to organise the event in her name just a few weeks after her murder.
And he firmly believes that her ‘more in common’ message is now more important than ever.
“The Jo Cox Way isn’t just a bike ride,” he said after crossing the finish line. “We are connecting people from different communities, of different ages.
“We’d hoped that Jo’s murder would be a wake up call but in fact what we’ve seen is seeds of discord being sown more and more by others. The ‘more in common’ message is still vital; if we don’t embrace it, those other voices will just get louder.”
The oldest cyclist in The Jo Cox Way was Kath Lyons, 80, from Skipton, who was taking part for the fifth time.
“I am tired but by the time I’ve had a quick glass of prosecco I’ll be fine! When you first meet your fellow riders you think you don’t have much in common, apart from having a bike, but by the end there’s loads of commonality and camaraderie.
“It’s a wonderful experience.”
Four friends from Birkenshaw, Richard Vause, 62, Donald Priestley, 68, Stuart Eakin, 63, and Brian Elsegood, 56, all took part in the 2026 event.
Richard said: “I am chuffed to bits that all four of us have done it. We have done it as friends. We have had a great time.”
Stuart added: “It was incredible. The atmosphere was brilliant. I am buzzing. Our bodies are aching but our hearts will be missing it as soon as we walk away.”
Donald, who admitted he was not a natural cyclist, said: “These guys have looked after me and I have enjoyed it. I am absolutely knackered. It has been a fantastic experience.
Brian added: “I have loved the whole week. I knew I would. It has been really good fun.”
All funds raised are given to The Jo Cox Foundation.
