BHT Sussex cancel velodrome event of Bike It Brighton

BHT Sussex, a housing and homelessness charity, is cancelling part of its Bike It Brighton charity cycle event on July 11 at the Preston Park Velodrome in The Ride, Brighton.

Event organiser, Juliet Hinton-Smith, said: "We are desperately disappointed to postpone the Velodrome event, but it is the sensible thing to do in light of the increase in infection rates.

"The velodrome normally attracts several hundred people and, even though it is held out of doors, we wouldn't want to expose anyone to any unnecessary risk.

The Preston Park Velodrome event will not be going ahead for BHT's Bike It Brighton.

"The cancellation of the Velodrome part of the day is so disappointing as this is where we see those from three-year-olds to 90 years young doing laps of the oldest velodrome in the country.

"We had arranged food and drink outlets to be there, the Brighton Choir With No Name was going to perform, and Brighton and Hove Bus Company were going to bring the BHT bus along.

"This event is a major part of our annual fundraising calendar, and at First Base Day Centre, we will feel the loss of the money normally raised.

Despite the cancellation of the Velodrome event, the 30 and 60-mile bike rides across the South Downs will still go ahead as planned.

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She said: "We feel that the longer rides can be safely managed. There is still time to register for either a 30 or 60 mile cycle challenge at our website or by turning up on the day itself.

"We will announce alternative plans to replace the velodrome event but, meanwhile, if you would like to support our work with those who are homeless and sleeping rough, you can make a donation at www.bht.org.uk."

On the day, registrations will open at 7am, with the 60-mile ride setting off at 8am and the 30-mile ride setting off at 9am.