#savevelolife

Hi, my name is Lee Goodwin, I own and run Velolife Bicycle Cafe. We opened Velolife in 2016 in and old Pub that had been closed for 18 months, bringing a new lease of life to a community facility that had been lost. We serve great organic coffee, using milk from a local farmer, amazing homemade cakes and awesome sourdough toasties. Being a bicycle cafe we also serve the local and broader cycling community which has allowed us to keep this great venue open.  

We find ourselves in a very difficult situation. Although we are a Bicycle Cafe the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council has started legal proceedings against us in order to stop cyclist attending the cafe in groups or gatherings. Unfortunately  RBWM has given no clarification as to what constitutes a group or gathering. Cycling Clubs are not allowed to use the Cafe before, during or after a ride according to the Council. If we are not allowed to have Cycling Clubs or gatherings of cyclists or groups of cyclists (undefined) then we will not be able to continue trading! We were hoping to get this resolved through conversation and common sense however this has not been possible and we are now left with no other option than to fight this in Court.

The funds we raise will be used for legal fees and costs during this process. Any and all funds left over after the legal process will be donated to charity. 50% of any left over funds will be donated to Cycling Uk and the other 50% will be donated to Qhubeka. 

Below is the Injunction wording that has been sought against us in Court.


THE INJUNCTION

1. In relation to the Land known as The Old House, AKA The Snooty     Fox, currently operating as Velolife, Warren Row, Reading, RG108QS:

(i) Shall not permit, encourage, facilitate, arrange or be party to any arrangement concerning the use of the land and building as a 'cycle meets' place, which would include the gathering of cyclists prior to departing on an organised ride; during organised rides or events or upon completion of organised rides or events.

(ii) Shall not permit, encourage, facilitate, arrange or enter into any agreement to allow the land to be used by congregating cyclists, including but not limited to cycle club members , arriving by any means, including car, van or cycle at any time of day or night.


Please help us fight this injustice and keep an amazing facility open to all.

Thank you for all your support,
Lee and the Team at Velolife