Falmouth and Penryn students and their families are set to benefit from a new multi-million-pound programme for Bike to School Week, the government has announced.

Schools across Cornwall and England will receive funding to get more children riding their bike or walking to school, Cycling Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has announced on Monday as Bike to School Week gears up across the country.

A new million-pound programme will see cycle repair workshops set up in primary schools and local neighbourhoods to make sure students' bikes are fit for the road.

'Doctor Bike' clinics will be rolled out next month, targeting areas where children, including those with disabilities, are more likely to need support in getting their bikes roadworthy for regular use on the school run.

Truro and Falmouth Member of Parliament Cherilyn Mackrory said:

"As a firm advocate of encouraging our children to walk or cycle to school wherever possible, I am delighted to see this funding come forward from the Government to help make this achievable.

"The recent lockdown saw more people cycling than ever before and it is important that we instil this love of exercise in our future generations to help keep fit for life.

"These measures, to help schools encourage their pupils to take up and keep on cycling to and from school, as well as the support for those who walk to school, will certainly help in these areas.

"I will continue to work with all involved, locally and in Westminster, to push for new and improved cycling infrastructure across Truro and Falmouth for all to enjoy."

A further £1 million has also been announced to boost the number of children walking to school. The Walk to School Outreach Programme – which has already generated 4 million new walking trips – is being extended to roll out further measures to support walking.

This includes tackling the barriers that may prevent children and their families choosing to walk to and from school, as well as providing schools with classroom materials and access to local coordinators who can help schools get new walking initiatives up and running.

Cycling and Walking Minister Chris Heaton-Harris added:

"This funding will support schools and local communities to get more children walking to school, and set up bike surgeries that will help children get their bikes ready to roll, so they can start their day healthy and happy."

Today's funding comes during Bike to School Week (28th September to 2nd October) and ahead of Walk to School Week (5th October to 9th October).

The funding is part of a wider plan to create safer streets for cycling and walking, following the launch of the most ambitious plans yet, backed by £2 billion in government investment, to encourage even more people to choose active travel.

Bikeability training has also recently restarted in schools across England, helping children gain confidence and boost their cycling skills.

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