More primary school students across Halton will now have the opportunity to learn the skills to cycle confidently, thanks to additional funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The £10,000 fund from the DfT was awarded to Halton Borough Council, following a bid to up-skill an additional 500 primary school pupils across the borough.

British Cycling already works with Halton Borough Council to deliver Level 1, 2 and 3 Bikeability in primary and secondary schools across Halton. The additional funding will provide new opportunities for younger pupils to begin developing their cycle skills.

As part of this, pupils in year 3 and 4 at primary schools across Halton will receive Level 1 Bikeability training delivered by British Cycling instructors. They will learn essential cycling skills in a traffic-free environment, preparing them for Level 2 training in year 6, where they will be taught how to cycle on quiet residential roads.

British Cycling’s cycle training manager, Vicky Spencer, said: “We have developed a strong partnership with Halton Borough Council and we’re excited about the opportunity to help more pupils to develop bike handling skills and show them and their families how much fun safe cycling can be.

“The training teaches young people vital life skills about awareness, riding in traffic and the experience of cycling to school. It helps young people to develop confidence and independence, and we hope it will inspire them to keep cycling in their lives as they move to secondary school and beyond education.”

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for transportation, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: “Bikeabillity has provided invaluable experience and training for young people and adults in Halton.

“The training scheme provides riders with the abilities and confidence to ride safely on the roads. We have used British Cycling for three years and have built up a close relationship with the organisation.”

Any school across Halton can get involved with British Cycling’s Bikeability scheme for free. If you would like your school to receive free Bikeability training, please contact British Cycling’s Cycle Training team on 0161 274 2129 or cycletraining@britishcycling.org.uk.