Here’s £96,000 to get on your bikes...

THE number of children cycling to school has risen across the region after a five-year campaign to get pupils in the saddle.

Despite the increase, the figures mean only one in 83 pupils across the region cycles to school — though it’s up from one in 100 when the scheme was launched in 2007.

Transport Minister Norman Baker yesterday handed Oldham almost £97,000 to help children to “cycle safely, competently and confidently on the road”. Similar grants have been pledged for the following two years.

Elaine McLean, Oldham Council executive director for economy, place and skills, said: “Oldham is one of few authorities to consistently receive funding since the start of the programme. It means we can offer every Year 6 pupil the chance to take level one and two Bikeability training.”

Over 2,400 children will receive training thanks to the money.

At level one, cyclists learn to control the bike away from the roads. At level two they receive road tuition on short journeys.