Cycling England says that more than 200,000 children could have Bikeability training this year as a result of £10m of government funding announced last week by transport minister Paul Clark as part of the official launch of Bikeability for 2009.
This funding is part of a £140m package which aims to give up to 500,000 children the chance to take part in Bikeability - the National Cycle Training Standard - by 2012.
Paul Clark said: "Having the skills to cycle to school and make other local journeys has never been more important, especially as it helps children and young people reach the 60 minutes of activity recommended by the Government's 'Change4Life' campaign.
This funding supports the continued development of Bikeability training which is promoted in England by Cycling England. £5.4m will go to local authorities to provide Bikeability cycle training; £4m will go to the Youth Sport Trust to deliver cycle training in schools through the School Sports Partnerships; and £500,000 will be given as bursary grants to help fund 1,600 new Bikeability trainers.
