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The History of the Police Unity Tour

The Police Unity Tour (PUT) is one of the most significant memorial and fundraising events in American law enforcement. Its mission is captured in its well-known motto:

“We Ride for Those Who Died.”

Origins

The Police Unity Tour was founded in May 1997 by Patrick P. Montuore, then an officer with the Florham Park Police Department in New Jersey. His vision was to raise public awareness of law enforcement officers who had died in the line of duty and to honour their sacrifice.

The inaugural ride consisted of:

  • 18 riders
  • A four-day bicycle journey
  • A route from Florham Park, New Jersey, to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
  • Approximately $18,000 raised in support of memorial-related causes

Since those humble beginnings, the Police Unity Tour has grown into a national movement. Today, thousands of riders participate annually from across the United States, and the organisation has donated more than $25 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, making it one of the Fund’s largest supporters.

The Birth of the UK Police Unity Tour

Having regularly attended National Police Week in Washington, D.C., Rob Atkin MBE, Gary Byfield MBE, Lee Howes and Jo Hill were invited to ride with Chapter VIII (Florida) of the USA Police Unity Tour. Under the leadership of Chapter President Captain Hugh Miller, the UK officers were welcomed as members of Chapter VIII and inspired to establish a Police Unity Tour in the United Kingdom.

Rob and Gary, who had already played a significant role in supporting the establishment and development of Care of Police Survivors (COPS), recognised the opportunity to create a similar movement in the UK.

The UK Police Unity Tour was founded with three key aims:

  1. To remember police officers and members of police staff who have died in the line of duty and demonstrate to their loved ones that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
  2. To raise vital funds for Care of Police Survivors (COPS) to support the families and loved ones of fallen officers.
  3. To raise public awareness of the ultimate sacrifice made when a police officer or member of police staff loses their life in the line of duty.

The First Ride

The inaugural UK Police Unity Tour took place in 2013. What began as a small group of dedicated riders has grown into a nationwide movement.

By 2026:

  • The Tour had grown to 19 regional chapters across the United Kingdom.
  • Hundreds of riders were participating annually.
  • The event had become one of the most significant police memorial cycling events in Britain.

Supporting Care of Police Survivors (COPS)

The UK Police Unity Tour raises funds exclusively for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity established in 2003 that supports the families of police officers and police staff who have lost their lives on duty.

To date, participants have raised in excess of £1.6 million for the charity. These funds have enabled COPS to provide invaluable support, projects, peer networks and practical assistance to surviving families across the United Kingdom.

Traditions and Values

Many traditions of the UK Police Unity Tour reflect those established by the original USA Police Unity Tour:

  • Riders wear memorial bracelets bearing the names of fallen officers.
  • Regional chapters ride independently before converging at the National Memorial Arboretum.
  • Police officers, police staff, retirees, survivors and supporters all take part.
  • The event emphasises remembrance, respect and unity rather than competition—it is not a race.

Above all, the Tour remains committed to ensuring that those who made the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.

Founders

Rob Atkin MBE

Rob Atkin MBE previously served with both the Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police. He now serves as Deputy Commissioner of Police with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

Rob remains a proud member and participant of Chapter VIII of the USA Police Unity Tour. In 2014, he was awarded the MBE for his services to Care of Police Survivors and the families of fallen police officers.

 Gary Byfield MBE

Gary Byfield MBE served as an Inspector with the Metropolitan Police Service and continues to work within policing in Hampshire.

In 2019, Gary was awarded the MBE for services to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty. He remains an active member of Chapter VIII of the USA Police Unity Tour and continues to work tirelessly in support of surviving families throughout the policing community.