Bradford Cyclists Pass On The Baton During The Cathedrals Cycle Route Relay

Bradfordian cyclists joined a network of riders from every Church of England Cathedral, putting the new Cathedrals Cycle Route to the test for the World’s Biggest Bike Ride when it launched in Bike Week on 30 May.

The Bradford to Wakefield leg took place on Thursday 3rd June – World Bicycle Day – and saw twenty-five cyclists take part, made up of members of Bradford Cathedral, Bradford’s Capital of Cycling, the University of Bradford Union of Students, the Queensbury Queens of the Mountainall-female cycling club, and more

The group rode from Bradford to Wakefield Cathedral, via Dewsbury Minster,carrying a specially commissioned baton, with three members of the group then travelling onto Sheffield Cathedral to deliver the baton to a new set of riders. One cyclist even took on the challenge of travelling the 20miles from Bradford to Wakefield dressed in a banana costume, to highlight the Fairtrade work of Bradford Cathedral! The Cathedrals Cycling Routes link all 42 English Cathedrals and the route helps promote greener travel and better mental and physical wellbeing.The baton is etched with the words "somedays you need a hand... other days you are called to lend a hand"

The first group of cyclists set out from Newcastle Cathedral, the most northerly Anglican Cathedral, on Sunday May 30th and a group is expected to return to Newcastle 42 days later (weather permitting) having cycled to every Church of England Cathedral. The baton arrived at Bradford Cathedral on Wednesday 2nd June, brought in by a team from York Minster. The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a unique partnership between Sustrans, Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust and the Association of English Cathedrals. It measures 2,000 miles in total, and has sections of long and short rides to suit all abilities.

It is the invention of academic, entrepreneur and keen cyclist Shaun Cutler, from Northumbria University, and is designed to help us all out of lockdown with opportunities for short cycle rides between cathedrals, new partnerships and fundraising for physical and mental well-being activities.

Shaun says:
“The Cathedrals Cycle Route is about connecting our historic cathedrals and enjoying the spaces between them.

“Now more than ever, after a year of living with the coronavirus pandemic, this is a way to support people’s mental and physical health and promote the mission of England’s cathedrals through pilgrimage, wellbeing and heritage."