Leeds to Dortmund by bike: celebrating friendship, charity and 400 years of civic history

Reception in Platz von Leeds (Leeds Square)

As part of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the Leeds City Royal Charter, two cyclists from the engineering consultancy Arup set themselves a challenge with a difference: to ride from Leeds to its twin city of Dortmund.  Niall Bourke and Richard Bickers took on the journey to raise money for four Leeds-based charities: Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, St Gemma’s Hospice and Leeds Chaplaincy. Their efforts raised more than £3,500.

The ride began on a wet and chilly spring morning in May at Dortmund Square on The Headrow. Representatives from the four charities joined Niall and Richard to see them off before they began the first of three days on the road.

Their opening stage took them from Leeds to York and then on to Hull, where they boarded the ferry to Rotterdam. The route also had a personal connection. Having worked together for more than two decades, Niall and Richard passed through places they had helped shape through their work, including Wellington Place in Leeds, York Central, Hull city centre, Princes Quay Footbridge, Trinity Square and Hull Swing Bridge.

Day two began under overcast skies, but the weather improved as they cycled more than 120 miles through the Netherlands, finishing near Arnhem close to the German border.

On the final day, they crossed into Germany and continued towards Dortmund. Their journey ended at Platz von Leeds in the heart of the city: a fitting finish for a ride celebrating the long-standing partnership between Leeds and Dortmund which dates back to 1969.

In Dortmund, Niall and Richard were welcomed by members of the Anglo-German Society, chaired by Geoff Tranter. They were also given a tour of the city, bringing the ride to a memorable close.

The challenge brought together civic history, charitable fundraising and international friendship. It was a memorable way to mark Leeds’ 400th anniversary year while supporting organisations that make a difference in communities across the city.

Donations are still being accepted at https://givestar.io/gs/nialls-cycle-to-dortmund.

The Dortmund Brewer statue, the replica of which is in Dortmund Square in Leeds.