Details of a new cycle training initiative to teach children safe riding, provide maintenance education and encourage family cycling, has been announced.

The new Bikeability Plus scheme has been piloted in 18 areas across England and results have shown that the number of children who cycled to school at least once a week more than doubled to 10%.

Nearly 20,000 children have already received the training and the £5 million funding will now reach an additional 200,000 more across England.

The programme also introduces 4 to 5 year olds in reception classes to balance training, so they have a fun, positive introduction to cycling as they start school.

Older children will also be shown how to fix and maintain their bikes themselves, so they can keep on staying active and cycle safely.

A focus of Bikeability Plus is introducing children and parents in disadvantaged communities who might not otherwise cycle to the healthy and affordable way of getting around.

Cycling Minister Robert Goodwill said “We want Britain to become a cycling nation and Bikeability Plus will be important in getting more children cycling safely and with confidence”.

The funding is part of the wider £50 million Bikeability funding for cycle training for 2016 to 2020. Details of this new £5 million element are now being announced and schools will be able to offer the new training to their pupils from September 2016.

The new elements allow schools and local authorities to tailor the training they offer to meet local challenges.

Source: GOV.UK