A CYCLING scheme to refurbish used and unwanted bikes and train new cyclists has been extended in South Gloucestershire.

The Bikeability Recycled scheme, a pilot scheme implemented in January through funding from the Department for Transport, has received a further £15,000 after proving very popular over the trial three month period.

During the trial period 50 bicycles were refurbished and made roadworthy.

The scheme now also offers two new forms of Bikeability cycle safety training “Learn to ride” and “Fix”.

The additional funding will see the scheme run until the end of August, with the team applying for further funding to continue the scheme over the next four years.

Planning, transport and strategic environment lead member Cllr Colin Hunt said: “We’re delighted to receive this additional funding which enables us to continue our bicycle recycling scheme as well as offering new forms of safety training.

“By refurbishing and redistributing these bikes to local school pupils we are hoping that more people take part in our cycle training.

“We have seen a huge increase in cycling in South Gloucestershire and it is important that young people are taught to cycle safely and with consideration for other road users.”

As well as Bikeability Recycled and the “Learn to ride” and “Fix” training, thanks to this funding the full range of Bikeability training in South Gloucestershire will also include cycle training for reception class pupils, community rides to local facilities such as libraries and accompanied rides from primary school to pupils’ new secondary schools.

There are a number of free Bikeability courses available over the summer school holidays, taking place in Bradley Stoke, Downend and Chipping Sodbury, beginning at the end of July.

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/roadsafety or http://bikeability.org.uk/ or to book a place email cycle_training@southglos.gov.uk