Big ride is a ‘brilliant celebration’

SANTANDER staff hopped on their firms own bikes as a 144-strong team celebrated the end of two weeks of fundraising events held across London and the South East of England.

The cycle ride saw Santander branch staff meet at four points around the capital before riding in convoy to the observation point at Bernie Spain Gardens to present a £167,000 cheque to Age UK and Barnardo’s.

The ride coincided with the launch of Santander Cycles Business Accounts in 170 branches through Greater London.

The accounts were launched by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to encourage London’s businesses to get their staff cycling and will give companies access to Santander Cycles and encourage commuters to use the service.

Simon Bray, divisional managing director for London and East Division at the bank, said: “Santander is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to have raised such a huge sum for our charity partners.

“The bike ride was a brilliant celebration of everyone’s hard work, whilst also supporting the launch of the Santander Cycles Business Accounts in branch.”

Businesses can purchase up to 20 pooled keys for £90 each, allowing unlimited bike access for a year for all journeys of up to 30 minutes. For longer journeys, extra ride charges will be applied to the business account which can be managed online through the cycle hire website. The selfservice scheme encourages commuters to get around London in a healthy way.