A new scheme has launched to help get youngsters who may not have access to bikes cycling.

The free cycling sessions aims to give more than 460 youngsters who may not be able to afford their own bikes access to free bikes, helmets and cycling tuition.

The sessions are run on a purpose built pump track on Peel Park, Little Hulton as part of a collaboration between Access Sport and landlord ForHousing.

Access sport programme leader Mike Power said: “Every child should learn how to ride a bike, but so many families just can't afford to buy bikes, especially at the moment.

“We've got all ages and abilities taking part, it's truly inclusive and great to see.

“A massive thanks to ForHousing for getting behind this project." 

The scheme has been launched with children who are most in need of accessible bikes in mind, a need that is especially acute with Little Hulton amongst the top 10 per cent most deprived communities in England.

Having kicked off late last year, the project will run for 12 months, with every child who takes part taught new skills such as how to cycle, how to travel more safely to school, and how to look after equipment.

Access Sport says that it has also successfully applied to ForHousing’s Community Fund to run another initiative supporting young people who are not in employment, education, or training.

From February, the four-week course will teach the group bike maintenance skills and will be a pilot for future projects.

ForHousing executive director Martyn Hague said: “At ForHousing, we’re committed to improving people’s health and wellbeing, and it is great to give young people in the local area the chance to try something new and get active.

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"We share Access Sport's passion to make physical exercise achievable for everyone, so we are delighted to work in partnership with them to make more things possible for more people."

The cycling sessions are open to all children and young people and take place every Thursday on Peel Park, Little Hulton at 4.30pm.

Bikes and helmets are provided for those who don’t have their own.