Virtual Police Unity Tour ready to ride!

Like a great many things this year, the global pandemic disrupted the usual plans for the Police Unity Tour.

The Police Unity Tour (PUT) is the annual memorial cycling event held in honour of those police officers and staff who have died on duty in the UK. Normally, serving police officers set off from 14 locations wearing a bracelet bearing the details of one of those fallen officers. They arrive together on the Sunday of our Survivor Weekend ahead of the memorial service at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Introducing the Virtual Police Unity Tour

However, this year, the event has a new name, the Virtual Police Unity Tour – and it’s open for everyone to get involved. Participants will be asked to complete a 100-mile ride between the 15th-25th October – and this can be done out on the roads or on an exercise bike using apps and services like Zwift or Peloton.

One of the PUT’s founders, Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin MBE of the Metropolitan Police explained: “We thought a virtual ride presents a great opportunity for people to get involved, remember our fallen colleagues, raise money for COPS and keep fitness levels up. 

“We have yet again this year lost police officers in the most dreadful circumstances and this virtual event is a chance for everyone taking part to show unity – we will never forget their sacrifice.”

How to take part in the Virtual Police Unity Tour

This year, anyone can sign up to be a ‘virtual rider’. You’ll need to provide a £10 registration fee and commit to raising a minimum of £100 for COPS. Then it’s all about the cycling – with 100 miles to complete between the 15th-25th October. This can be done in one ‘century’ ride, or broken up and completed cumulatively over the course of the event.

There will be a medal for every rider that completes the 100 miles and an award for our highest fundraiser.

Click here to find out more information and to take part.

Play your part

We’ll leave it to Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin MBE to have the final word: “Come and join the Virtual Police Unity Tour. Play your part in keeping the memory alive of all those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and help spread the word about Care of Police Survivors and the inspirational support it provides to the families left behind.”