London cyclists begin 380-mile ride at HMP Low Newton, Durham

The five cyclists from The Weavers’ Company Riders began their epic adventure at HMP Low Newton in Durham, which accommodates about 300 female inmates.

Before setting off today (Monday, July 13) they met with Dr Arnab Basu, High Sheriff of Durham, outside the prison to highlight their campaign for more effective community-based alternatives.

The riders Charles Early, Spadge Hopkins, William Makower, Jacqui Murphy and Robert Townsend before setting off on their journey (Image: SUBMITTED)

The riders are cycling 380 miles over six days, visiting 13 different prisons across the country and finishing at The Weavers Company Offices in The City of London.

The cycle ride aims to address the impact of short custodial sentences of less than 12 months on women, particularly mothers.

The riders say this can disrupt housing, employment, and family relationships and fails to address the underlying causes of offending.

Along the way, the bikers will be meeting with four High Sheriffs, a Vice Lord Lieutenant, and various MPs.

The first leg of the ride ends at HMP Askham Grange in York tonight.

While taking a quick pub stop in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, one of the cyclists, William Makower, spoke to The Northern Echo about his vision behind the journey.

He said: “We’re raising funds for a programme which will support women aged 14-25 who face an array of challenges like trauma, housing, or exploitation.

“We want to help people in the before custodial sentences, where they’ll be mentored by people that have been to prison and since turned their life around.

“It’s important that men get involved and understand this is a human issue, I think it’s great we have four men and one woman participating.”

William taking a quick break on his ride today (Image: SUBMITTED)

Mr Makower said he got the idea for the cycle challenge after watching the second series of BBC prison drama, Time, starring Jodie Whittaker as a struggling single mother sentenced to prison after stealing electricity due to financial hardship.

He added that he is hoping to raise £500,000 from the event.

Dr Basu, a keen supporter of the cause, told the Echo: “They’re doing a wonderful thing addressing this issue.

“While the prisons officers do a good job, there are infrastructural issues that need to be fixed.

“When women go to prison the whole family falls apart and when women are released, they are vulnerable.

“There is a wider context about how women are rehabilitated into the world after prison.”

All funds raised through the challenge will help provide trusted advocates to support 216 young women and girls who have received convictions or suspended prison sentences, helping them access practical support, build resilience, and avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system.