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

The £10,000 fund awarded to Halton Council will enable an extra 500 pupils to learn how to ride safely.

British Cycling already works with Halton Council to deliver three Bikeability courses in primary and secondary schools across Halton.

Additional funding will provide new opportunities for younger pupils to begin developing their cycle skills.

Halton Cllr Tom McInerney, board member for transportation, 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."

British Cycling’s Cycle Training manager, Vicky Spencer, said: “We have developed a strong partnership with Halton 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.”

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, contact British Cycling’s Cycle Training team on 0161 274 2129 or cycletraining@britishcycling.org.uk.

For more information about Cycle Training, visit britishcycling.org.uk/cycletraining.