One of the UK’s most popular broadcasters is preparing to demonstrate his passion for tackling road deaths by taking part in a high-profile event involving half of Britain’s police forces.

Jeremy Vine, who presents BBC Radio 2’s lunchtime programme and Channel 5 quiz show, Eggheads, will cycle alongside Det Chief Supt Andy Cox as he leads a week-long awareness-raising campaign from May 16-22, 2022.

The event will see police officers and staff from across the UK join forces to run, cycle, walk or travel by any other means across their force area, in the hope of raising £500,000 for the charity, RoadPeace.

RoadPeace provides information and support services to people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes and engages in evidence-based policy and campaigning work to fight for justice for victims.

Crucially, the challenge will aim to get the public talking about road deaths and jolt them into taking more responsibility for safety on the roads.

Jeremy Vine, a keen cyclist, has been a strong supporter of Det Chief Supt Cox since 2020 when he single-handedly launched a hard-hitting campaign to tackle road danger, while serving at the Metropolitan Police.

The presenter, who regularly posts about road and cycle safety on Twitter, will join the senior police officer, now Head of Crime at Lincolnshire Police, in the London-leg of the upcoming challenge.

Just this week, Mr Vine posted his own head cam footage of two incidents he was involved in while cycling in London – one showing an irate driver shouting abuse at him and another showing a swerving car narrowly avoiding a collision with him.

He said: “I’m very excited to be joining Andy’s ride. Far more people are killed on our roads every year than die as a result of murder, and Andy’s campaigning is helping us all to understand we simply shouldn’t accept the level of death and danger.

“He’s a great guy but I’m slightly worried he’s about 100 times fitter than me.”

Det Chief Supt Cox said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Jeremy Vine on board. He himself is passionate about removing danger from our roads and raising awareness around the risks facing road users every single day.

“With his support, our messages will be stronger and our efforts to raise money for RoadPeace will be strengthened. We can’t thank him enough.”

Challenge donations can now be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/andycoxchallenge2022.

Updated on: 11 February 2022