Active Travel will push children into free cycle training

Bristol City Council will have to work harder at getting children into schools closer to their home if the Government’s vision for an active England is to succeed.

The new ‘Active Travel Strategy’ is aiming to give every child access to cycle training, in an effort to get everyone choosing to walk and cycle as a local transport option.

The strategy will also include introducing 20 mph limits into more residential areas to improve cyclist safety and include secure bike parking in public areas.

To support the programme, £12.5 million will be invested in cycle training for half a million school children by 2012, part of the Government’s £140 million three year cycling budget.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan is ‘confident’ the strategy will make walking and cycling a ‘viable’ option for everyone in the future.

He said:”Active travel means a transport system where walking and cycling become the norm.

“Instead of automatically reaching for their car keys, I want to see people feeling confident enough to jump on their bike or pull on a pair of trainers.”