Bike ride in memory of cyclist killed by drink-driver

RideforEric was launched in honour of Eric Codling, a father-of-two who died after being hit by a car while cycling along Whirlowdale Road, in Whirlow, in 2013.

The event is back for the fifth year with participants able to take part in either a 25k, 50k or 100k route, with each route starting and finishing at the picturesque Forge Valley school. These brand-new routes are planned to accommodate all riders.

The RideforEric team are also offering family friendly activities on the day including fancy dress and fun rides.

RideforEric, which was set up in 2014 by Karen Codling in memory of her late husband, Eric, is an established charity with the proceeds raised going towards promoting cycling safety activities and maintaining a bereavement support service.

The charity has raised over £10,000 in previous years which has gone towards cycling initiatives and bereavement support.

Following a year’s break, the event has moved from their original venue - Abbeydale Sports Club - to Forge Valley School.

Karen said “We are so excited to move to our new venue and have lots of free activities planned at Forge Valley on the day.

“As well as some amazing activities on the day, we have got three brand new cycling routes, thanks to the help of Worrall Wheelers Cycling Club and TNT Triathlon Team – we can’t wait for everyone to try them. We even have members of TNT riding all three routes in one day, something we have dubbed the Epic Eric.”

All funds raised on the day will go towards safe and inclusive cycling initiatives and HOPE which - in partnership with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue - is a Charity for people who have suffered bereavement through a fire or road traffic collision.

HOPE offers a meeting place through a peer support group for anyone who has been bereaved in this way or who has witnessed a traumatic incident. Established for over a decade HOPE have lots of experience of supporting people through loss, irrespective of when that loss occurred.

You can sign up for RideforEric or read more about the activities on the day at www.rideforeric.com and if cycling isn’t your thing, Karen and the RideforEric team are always looking for volunteers. If you’re free and want to help out on the day, email [email protected].