They were used to help children aged between three and 15 to learn to cycle at sessions organised by Javed Saddique, CTC Cycling Development Officer for Reading, in association with Reading Borough Council.

Javed said: “We still have a limited number of bikes available to support the sessions we will be running during the school holidays, but not enough.

“CTC and Reading Borough Council would be most grateful if people could look at any bikes they may not be using and offer them as donations to our sessions, to enable the children of Reading to learn to take the first steps to cycling. I have also spoken to Reading Bicycle Kitchen and they are more than happy to accept donations for children’s bikes.”

The theft was a callous act, particularly just before Christmas, and the victims at the end of the day are the children of Reading."

Paul Tuohy, CTC Chief Executive

CTC Chief Executive Paul Tuohy said: “The theft was a callous act, particularly just before Christmas, and the victims at the end of the day are the children of Reading.

“We would be enormously grateful to anyone in a position to donate a bike for a session, or longer, and help ensure that a local youngster isn’t denied the chance to learn to ride a bicycle. As the UK’s national cycling charity we are keen to see more children learn to cycle – it’s fun, keeps you fit and can only lead to a healthier environment for everyone in the future.”

These were the bikes stolen:

• 2 x Specialized MTB
• 2 x Giant MTB (Youth) White and Red
• 1 x Ridgeback MTB – Silver/Black
• 1 x Raleigh – Kids 5-7 yrs.
• 1 x Large Balance Bike
• 5 x balance bikes 3-5 yrs.

Anyone who wants to donate a bike has been asked to contact Javed Saddique. Email: javed.saddique@ctc.org.uk Tel: 07789 683650.