Posted on: 27th November 2024

The baton has been on display in Newcastle Cathedral, but was brought down to Yorkshire this week when a party from Newcastle came to visit their counterparts in Bradford. The photo shows the Very Revd Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, and the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, handing over the baton.

The Cathedrals Cycle Route began in 2021. Designed by Northumbria University academic Dr Shaun Cutler, the 2000-mile cycle route links all 42 English Cathedrals, and was created as part of a PhD project researching how historic places of worship can establish sustainable futures.

The first relay took place in the same year, and was held again 2022, with smaller, local circuits held in 2023 and 2024. The country-wide relay will be held again in 2025, starting on Saturday 24th May, where it will begin at Bradford Cathedral. Riders are invited to take part in one leg or several, and all those taking part will receive a special relay medal.

A launch event will be held as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations before cyclists begin the series of relays from Cathedral to Cathedral. All are welcome for an 11am start on Saturday 24th May, where there will be speakers, special guests, music and refreshments, before the first relay sets off.

The baton – created by Hannah Cutler – will be displayed in Bradford Cathedral from early 2025 until it leaves with the first riders, returning 42 days (and 2,000 miles!) later.

For more information on the Cathedrals Cycle Route please visit https://www.cyclinguk.org/cathedrals-cycle-route-challenge, and to sign up for this year’s relay please go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cathedrals-cycle-relay-2025-tickets-970438225857. You can also sign up to the launch event at https://bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/oglgbmnx