TRANSAID CALLS ON TRANSPORT INDUSTRY TO SADDLE-UP FOR CHARITY

14 March 2014

International development charity, Transaid, is once again challenging members of the transport industry to swap trucks, buses and trains for bicycles to take part in its annual European cycle ride.

This year’s challenge will see fundraisers setting off on a three-day, 340km adventure to Brussels, where they’ll finish the ride in style arriving at the city’s iconic Grand Place.

Previous rides to Paris and Amsterdam have raised a combined total of nearly £230,000, which goes towards improving road safety standards in Africa and increasing access to lifesaving healthcare.

Gary Forster, Transaid’s Chief Executive, says: “Feedback from participants over the last two years has been that they have had a fantastic experience exploring new countries whilst really challenging themselves for Transaid.

“We’re hoping to see some new faces this year, and welcome any of our previous challengers who are returning for another great event.”

Riders will set off from Tunbridge Wells on September 12, cycle to Dover, and catch the ferry to Calais. The adventure will continue in France as the volunteers cycle 75 miles to Bruges, where they will sample some of the city’s famous beers and spend the night, before setting off to complete the final 74 miles to Brussels.

Confirmed riders already include transport for London’s Commissioner of Transport Sir Peter Hendy, the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Chris Owens and teams from Backhouse Jones Solicitors and Clipper Logistics.

Any riders who are feeling even more adventurous are encouraged to join Transaid’s Africa Cycle challenge. In June 2015, cyclists from across the industry will be taking on the beautiful landscape of Tanzania, cycling 400km between Mount Kilimanjaro and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Brussels ride (12-15 September 2014) is urged to sign up quickly, as places are limited. To request a registration form or for further information on the challenges contact Florence Bearman on 020 7387 8136 or email Florence@transaid.org.

A registration fee of £99 is required for the Brussels challenge and all cyclists are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,600. For sponsorship help and ideas Transaid’s team of dedicated experts are on hand to offer hints and support on fundraising and training from the moment participants sign up.

For more information about Transaid or to find out how you can support the charity visit www.transaid.org.

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Note to Editor:

Transaid (www.transaid.org) is an international development agency that aims to improve people’s quality of life in the developing world by making transport more available and affordable. It was founded by SavetheChildren and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) and works by sharing skills and knowledge with local people to enable them to put in place and manage efficient transport systems.

Transaid’s core work includes creating transport management systems for the public sector and assisting with the provision of professional driving qualification development and the training of driver trainers. It also assists with teaching preventive vehicle maintenance management and introducing local, low cost transport solutions including its innovative bicycle ambulance. Transaid also helps promote HIV, AIDS and road safety awareness and shares its specialist knowledge with the humanitarian aid sector.

Transaid enjoys strong backing from the transport and logistics industry and the active involvement of its patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

For further press information:

Aggie Krasnolucka-Hickman at Transaid +44 (0)20 7387 8136

Faye McBride or James Keeler at Garnett Keeler +44 (0)20 8647 4467

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