A BIKE ride from Yorkshire to Westminster in memory of MP Jo Cox will take place this month, after being organised by a local businessman.

The Jo Cox Way is a 258-mile journey from the Labour MP’s West Yorkshire constituency of Batley and Spen to the Houses of Parliament.

The inaugural event was launched last year by cyclist enthusiast Sarfraz Mian, chief executive of the Stokesley-based equestrian company Neue Schule, who came up with the idea.

He was inspired by Jo’s zest for life and passion for people and communities.

“I didn't know Jo but, like so many others, I was struck by her values and belief that communities are always stronger when people work together,” said Sarfraz.

“Cyclists on The Jo Cox Way will wear jerseys emblazoned with the statement '#moreincommon', wording taken from Jo's maiden speech in the House of Commons when she said, 'We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.' The Jo Cox Way is our tribute to her life, her beliefs and the spirit of community that exists throughout the country in our villages, towns and cities.”

Cyclists from Yorkshire and the North-East, along with others participating from across the UK, will leave Princess Mary Stadium, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, in Jo’s Batley and Spen constituency, on Wednesday 26 July and arrive at Westminster four days later.

Joining them will be cycling coach David Morton from Trimdon in County Durham on a purple-and-white former Royal Mail postal bike – the basket filled with soft toys.

David, director of Cycling Development North East, is one of about 30 to embark on the journey. Others from across the United Kingdom will join them for single days to show their support.

The idea came to David and Jo Cox Way founder Sarfraz Mian when they came across Elephant Bike in the Cycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham. The company reconditions top-quality cycles used for decades by posties which are now being phased out. For each one it sells, Elephant Bike sends another of this limited edition to the small African country of Malawi, where the scheme is transforming lives.

“It means that Malawians can travel to work and school, and transport goods, and often creates an income for life,” said David. “I must be mad to cycle so far on a bike with only three gears – the first two days through Yorkshire and the Peak District will be really gruelling – but Sarfraz is very persuasive! I don’t know what I’ve let myself in for.”

People are being asked to send their small cuddly toys to Sarfraz Mian, Momentum, 30 Ellerbeck Court, Stokesley TS9 5PT, by Monday, July 24and make a donation at; uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/thejocoxway. The full Jo Cox Way route can be viewed at; letsride.co.uk/article/cycle-routes/ride-social-the-jo-cox-way.