Thousands of young people are set to benefit from cycle safety training as Merseytravel’s popular and long-running Bikeability scheme restarts this week.

The scheme, which trains 8,000 young people a year to cycle safely is temporarily being moved from schools to community venues across Merseyside as lockdown eases.

With more and more people choosing to get around by bike, the vital training will help young people to cycle safely and confidently, with sessions being held throughout the summer holidays.

The training is usually given to classes of pupils in years 5, 6 and 7 but with schools having been closed to most students due to Coronavirus, Bikeability training is instead being hosted at community venues, including HYPE community hub in Birkenhead.

Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: “It’s great to see cycle safety training returning for our young people.

“We’re kick-starting active travel revolution here in the Liverpool City Region, putting millions of pounds into building not only pop-up bike lanes but also a 600km network of permanent cycle routes.

“But building confidence in cycling is just as important as building bike lanes and that’s why it’s so important that we’re able to restart cycle safety training for young people.

“Since 2006 we’ve organised Bikeability training for tens of thousands of school pupils.

"Coronavirus has meant working with the community to adapt how the scheme works, but we’re more committed than ever to giving young people in our city region all the help they need.”

The sessions will help teach young people the practical skills and understanding they need to travel by bike including reading road signs, recognising hazards and sharing space with pedestrians and road users.

Simon O’Brien, Liverpool City Region Cycling and Walking Commissioner said: “More people across the city region are now getting about by bike and finding it has huge benefits."

To sign, up visit: www.bikeright.co.uk/sponsors/liverpool/