West Midlands Police Federation members can now register to take part in this year’s Police Unity Tour (PUT).

Now in its 13th year, the PUT brings police officers from across the country to honour those who have died in the line of duty.

It also supports the work of Care of Police Survivors (COPS). Last year the ride raised more than £228,000 for the charity, which is dedicated to helping the families of fallen officers.

Highlight of police calendar

Jess Davies, acting branch chair, said: “The annual Police Unity Tour is one of the highlights of the policing calendar.

“It’s a bittersweet event that shows the police family at its very best, coming together to support the families of the fallen and to raise much needed funds for a great charity.

“But it also reminds us of the dangers that our members face each and every day in doing their jobs, and the ultimate sacrifice made by so many.”

“COPS is a fantastic charity that does so much to support the families of fallen officers, so it’s great to be able to help its work.”

This year’s tour starts on Friday 1 August. Over a two-day route, usually covering around 180 miles, cyclists make their way to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for the annual COPS service of remembrance on Sunday 3 August.

Register now

Registration is now open for the West Midlands Chapter, which includes cyclists from West Midlands, West Mercia, Staffordshire and Warwickshire police forces.

Entrants can register online paying a non-refundable registration fee of £180 to offset the costs of two nights’ accommodation and a Police Unity Tour cycling jersey.

Everyone taking part will wear a wristband engraved with the name of a fallen officers and, where possible at the end of the ride, will present it to the family of that officer.