Cyclist's death shouldn't put others off riding bikes, says friend and business partner

The friend and business partner of cycling coach Craig Armitage, killed earlier this month Awhile taking part in the Otley Cycling Club Reliability Ride, has said he would not have wanted his death to put people off cycling.

Jonathan Farnbay was speaking as 200 cyclists rode in memory of Mr Armitage yesterday - one of them his father, aged in his 70s.

Mr Armitage, aged 44, died on Sunday 15 February when he was struck by a car on the Bolton Abbey Estate and before the riders set out on their 14-mile tribute yesterday, they held a minute’s silence at the Lawnswood Arms in Leeds, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The father of three co-founded children’s cycle training business In Gear Cycling with Mr Farnaby, who said of the ride: “It was absolutely what Craig would have wanted.

“Craig touched the lives of so many people and the turnout was a testament to him.

“He was dedicated to promoting cycling as a lifestyle choice and something all the family can get involved with. He believed in the power of cycling in bringing people together.

“Craig would not have wanted a black cloud over cycling.

“We don’t know what happened on the road that day, this was about celebrating a life and a love of cycling,” he added.

Speaking about the participation yesterday of Mr Armitage’s father, he said: “He was absolutely determined to do it. The look on his face when he completed it – I’ve never seen someone look so proud.”