Posted on: 14th June 2023

On Friday 9th June cyclists from across Yorkshire made a pedal pilgrimage between the three Cathedrals of the Diocese of Leeds as part of this year’s Cathedrals Cycle Relay. The relay, which fell within the 100th annual Bike Week, is the third time it has taken place at the cathedrals.

In 2021 and 2022 the relay travelled around all 42 English Cathedrals, but for 2023 a series of local routes were undertaken, including one between Carlisle, Durham and Newcastle, and rides starting at Peterborough and Rochester.

Cyclists set off from Ripon Cathedral in the morning, heading towards Bradford, with a second leg from Bradford Cathedral to Wakefield.

The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a unique partnership between the Association of English Cathedrals and Cycling UK, with the support of Sustrans, the British Pilgrimage Trust and Northumbria University.

Each cathedral has been encouraged to appoint a dedicated cycle champion to improve the cycle-readiness of its building, ensure a warm welcome for visiting cyclists and increase the number that currently arrive on two wheels.