8:50am Tuesday 22nd January 2008
By Staff Reporter
Half a million more 10-year-olds across England will take part in cycle training under a £140 million investment programme unveiled by the Government.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly announced the scheme, which aims to cut road congestion, improve air quality and get a generation of adults to rediscover their bikes.
The money, which will be invested over the next three years, is also being targeted to form part of the Government's forthcoming strategy to tackle obesity, Ms Kelly said.
In addition, the money will build 250 safe links to schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network, and create an extra 10 cycling demonstration towns in England.
Ms Kelly said today: "Cycling brings many benefits, both for the individual in terms of health and fitness and for the local community as it helps tackle congestion and improve air quality.
"Being able to cycle safely is an important life skill and I want to give more children the opportunity to do it and encourage more adults to reach for their bikes.
"By 2012, I expect 500,000 more children to have been able to learn how to cycle safely and responsibly. This will give parents reassurance that their children are suitably equipped to use the roads and enjoy their bikes."
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We know that children and young people need to be moderately active for at least an hour every day. While schools are successfully increasing the amount of sport and other physical activities pupils take part in, it is essential that young people do more beyond the school gates.
"Cycling or walking to and from school is an excellent way to keep active, as well as helping to install a culture of exercise for adult life."
Cllr Margaret Clare, Bolton spokesman for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "I think this is positive news and I hope Bolton will benefit from the programme."
Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council's executive member for the environment, who has responsibility for road infrastructure, said he thought any plan to encourage youngsters to cycle rather than be driven by parents was good for children's health and the environment.
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