British Cycling is supporting the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code; a new initiative, devised and funded by the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund, a campaign that seeks to educate children about the importance of avoiding the harmful effects of the sun while playing outdoors.

Launching today, www.oksunsafetycode.com is a free online resource bank, developed by a leading skin cancer specialist alongside experts in physical education and safeguarding.

With a recent survey suggesting that more than half of eight to twelve-year-olds are now playing more sport since before London 2012, British Cycling is urging people in the cycling community who work with children to log on and follow a simple process to achieve their official accreditation stamp. This verifies that specific measures have been taken and that they actively sun protect children in their care.

A downloadable toolkit provides promotional materials, and is designed to ensure that good practice is also supported by parents at home.

British Cycling’s coaching education and development director, John Mills, said:

“We are pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile cause. The success of riders such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott have inspired young people nationwide to get on their bikes and give cycling a go. While this is fantastic news for our sport, we want to ensure that young people are safe and fully protected from the sun when taking part in physical activity.

"Raising awareness of these issues is absolutely vital and providing toolkits for parents with advice while also encouraging children to take responsibility for their own health should go a long way towards protecting young people.”

For more information about how to get into cycling visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/getinvolved