London’s Tech Community Unites To Cycle For Global Education

London’s TechBikers, a collaboration of the London tech startup community to help children in need by supporting the non-profit Room to Read, launches its second annual Paris to London cycle challenge today. Over seventy cyclists will bike more than 200 miles over the course of three days in order to raise over $75,000 for Room to Read’s programs in literacy and gender equality in education across Asia and Africa.

TechBikers was born from Googleʼs Campus London in a collaboration between Eze Vidra, head of Google Campus, Benjamin Southworth, ex Deputy CEO at Tech City UK, Abraham Choi, Founder of Decision Analytics and Gerry Newton, Campus London resident and Founder of the Cyclr. Vidraʼs vision was to unite the great minds at Campus London for a project that would leave a lasting impact on children’s lives.

“We have strong ties with Room to Read, a charity that speaks to us very powerfully,” says Eze Vidra, co-founder of Tech Bikers. “The London start-up community through Tech Bikers wants to do our part to ensure universal primary education goals are met by 2015 and deserving children everywhere have access to quality education.”

Last year’s ride raised enough funds to establish a school and two libraries in Nepal and the team has set their sights higher for this year’s fundraising goal.  The TechBikers group has doubled in size since its inaugural ride and this year’s ride was over-subscribed within 48 hours. It is supported – through participation and sponsorship – by nearly 40 companies in the technology sector.

“We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education, reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world,” says Mairead King, leader of Room to Read’s London chapter. “This is a massive task and we rely on the support of dedicated groups like the TechBikers to effect sustainable change across the globe.”