A project to get all Kirklees residents cycling crazy has been praised by the Prime Minister.
Streetbikes was welcomed by PM David Cameron for encouraging people of all ages to take up the sport and increase their confidence.
He wrote to Colne Valley Conservative MP Jason McCartney and asked him to pass on his thanks to project founder Gill Greaves, who set up the community interest company in 2010.
She has been working with schools, children’s centres and community groups to help benefit-deprived communities, hard- to-reach groups and young and vulnerable people.
The organisation has also built a disability bike to allow them to be inclusive as possible and has given away hundreds of bikes as part of a recycling scheme.
Gill, who works seven days a week to deliver clubs and teach people how to ride a bike, said: “It was a great feeling to get the letter from David Cameron.
“We just keep doing our best here to involve as many people as we can, giving away bikes to those who wouldn’t otherwise have one and running clubs so riders can progress.
“Some people have told us we have changed their lives or even saved them because we have helped them get active again.”
Gill works with students from Colne Valley High School, residents in New Mill, Spen, Dewsbury and Beaumont Park and plans to set up two new groups in Slaithwaite and Thornhill ahead of the Yorkshire leg of the Tour de France.
Mr McCartney said: “The Prime Minister was keen to recognise the fantastic work Streetbikes is doing and was only too happy to write to pass on his thanks, highlighting the work to be really inclusive.
“It ensures that people from all levels and abilities and backgrounds can enjoy cycling.
“It is the best example of its kind I have seen and I would like to offer my thanks and support to Gill and her team for the work they do.”
For more information on Streetbikes go to: http://www.streetbikes.org.uk .
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