Craig Armitage, of Otley

Friends described Craig Armitage, of Otley, as a sociable and popular man who was passionate about cycling and his family.

Mr Armitage was one of about 200 cyclists taking part in the Otley Reliability Ride from Otley to Kettlewell when he was involved in a collision yesterday morning.

The collision happened at around 11.30am on the B6160 between Bolton Abbey and Barden Tower.

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Craig Armitage, of Otley

It involved a silver Hyundai i30 car, which was travelling towards Barden.

Mr Armitage and two other cyclists were travelling in the opposite direction.

The collision occurred in the bends on the Bolton Abbey Estate, between the fountain and the archway.

Mr Armitage, who was 44, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His friend and business partner, Jonathan Farnaby, said: “He was extremely loyal, honest and passionate about life and helping other people.

“He was a good friend, an excellent father and a great husband. He was very sociable and very popular.”

Mr Farnaby and Mr Armitage had set up the company In Gear Coaching which ran cycle coaching courses for children from its base in Otley.

“He was a very safe and careful cyclist - we are in total shock,” said Mr Farnaby.

Mr Armitage was described as a good amateur race cyclist who had been cycling for around 30 years.

He leaves a wife, Jill, and three children aged nine, eight and six.

Police are seeking witnesses to the incident.

Traffic Constable Ken Riley, of Skipton Roads Policing Group, said: “If you witnessed the incident - or saw the car or cycles involved prior to the collision - I urge you to come forward as you may have important information that could assist the investigation.

“I would also like to thank the members of the public who stopped at the scene to lend assistance in the immediate aftermath of this tragic incident.”