Sponsored Bike Ride: July 2026

Twenty-two young riders, accompanied by twenty-one adults, took part in Green United’s fifth sponsored cycle ride on Sunday 19 July, raising funds to tackle cigarette butt pollution in Lewes.

The ride was officially opened by the Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Adrian Ross, who spoke about the positive impact Green United is having across the town. He highlighted how the Youth Board’s “Big Asks” give young people an additional “moral authority” to push for positive change, citing examples including the introduction of recycled plastic cups at Bonfire and the request to upgrade the cycle ramp footbridge over the railway linking the Railway Land with Sussex College and Priory School.

John Parry reflected on an amazing year for Green United, which began with the planting of a 200-metre hedge in Ham Lane and continued with seven Big Asks presented at Lewes Town Hall in March – all of which are now being supported by adults and local organisations.

This year’s sponsored ride supported one of those Big Asks: a campaign led by young Green United board members India, Mae and Rose to reduce cigarette butt pollution.

So far, the ride has raised more than £700. The funds will go towards a campaign including youth-designed posters and improved cigarette butt disposal bins, with the support and approval of Lewes Town Council.

The approximately nine-mile return ride took cyclists from the Linklater Pavilion to Rodmell Community Hall and back, with invaluable support from Cycle Lewes and Dr Bike.

A huge thank you to everyone who rode, supported the event, donated or helped make the day possible.

The JustGiving page will remain open until the end of August, so there is still time to support the campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/green-united2026