Cycling stunt riders helped get Reading young people out and about on their bikes last Saturday, thanks to a grant from a local housing association.
Thames Valley Housing (TVH) has donated £1,650 from their Community Chest Fund to help fund the West Reading Big Bike Day, aimed at getting young people cycling with safety and confidence.
As well as stunt riders, a bike doctor was on hand to fix anyone’s bike free of charge, road safety officers and local police officers gave out safety advice, and there were competitions all day to win safety helmets and other types of cycling kit.
Angela Lee from The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust (BHIT) who organised the day, said,
“We’re really grateful to TVH for assisting funding this day promoting safer cycling skills, the importance of using cycling helmets and making it possible to give them out to kids from low income families at a lower cost.
“Cycling is great fun, good for the environment and great exercise, however, as with any transport, safety is really important.”
John Baldwin, TVH Housing Director, said, “I’m thrilled we’ve been able to contribute to this fantastic event. It helps all sections of the community, including those on low incomes; safely enjoy a great way to get around and spend time together.
Thames Valley Housing launched Community Chest in 2007. It is now part of TVH’s Community Investment Strategy, which provides funding to TVH residents, community projects and wider community based charitable programmes working within TVH’s areas. The next round of Community Chest Bids will open in late autumn of this year.
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For more information about and Thames Valley Housing and the Community Chest Fund, part of TVH’s Community Investment Strategy, please phone Rosalind Grozier, on 0208 607 0886 or email rosalind_grozier@tvha.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Thames Valley Housing is based in Twickenham, South West London and houses a wide range of people who have many different needs. Founded in 1966, the association owns, manages and administers loans for over 13,000 properties in London, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and Sussex, and has 857 properties under construction. Thames Valley Housing provides affordable rented homes, shared ownership, market rent, student and key worker accommodation, working with eight NHS Trusts.