Sustrans – the leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport – took over Level 14 of The News Building last night (Wednesday 28) to celebrate 20 years of the National Cycle Network.

Over 120 people turned up to support the charity, enjoy our panoramic views of London and hear the fascinating experience of three cycling heroes; Andrew Ritchie, inventor of the Brompton bicycle, Rebecca Charlton, cycling journalists and author, and Shu Pillinger, the first British women to complete the Race Across America solo.

Andrew Ritchie was working as a landscape gardener in London when, in 1975, he conceived his idea for a folding bike. He has guided the Brompton Bicycle Company from its initial production facility in a railway arch to become the largest bicycle manufacturer in the UK. It now makes nearly 50,000 bikes a year, sold in 45 countries, and is the largest transport manufacturer of any kind based in London.

Rebecca Charlton is a journalist, TV presenter and author. She has worked at a number of publishing houses as a writer and editor, most recently as deputy editor at Cycling Active magazine. Having raced in several disciplines of competitive cycling from a young age, Rebecca has a wealth of knowledge on the sport and is an ambassador for Women’s Cycling.

Shu Pillinger is an ultracyclist, ultraswimmer and ultrarunner. Her most famous achievement came in July 2015 when she became the first British woman to successfully complete the Race Across America (RAAM) solo. Travelling from coast to coast, Pillinger completed the 3,004-mile bike race in just 12 days, nine hours and 14 minutes – 12 hours before the cut-off.

The event raised vital funds to ensure Sustrans can continue to maintain and develop the Network for millions of people to enjoy.