Over 9,300 schoolchildren in Devon are set to benefit from Bikeability cycle training this financial year, thanks to a Bikeability Funding award of just over £451,000 for 2025/26. This funding is part of £3.9 million recently announced by the Government and Active Travel England (ATE) for cycling and walking projects in Devon, which is the largest settlement for any South West authority. Bikeability cycle training provides schoolchildren with lifelong road safety skills while also improving their health and wellbeing. Over the past 19 years, nearly 120,000 young people across the county have received Bikeability cycle training.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, stating, “It’s great that we’re able to continue delivering this excellent training to thousands of schoolchildren, who are the cyclists of tomorrow as well as today. Bikeability is a sound investment in improving the safety, health and wellbeing of our schoolchildren in Devon, and getting people of all ages on their bikes is also important for the environment, so this latest funding is extremely welcome.”

Adult cyclists are also reminded that they can book free confidence sessions through Active Devon. These sessions, delivered by qualified bike instructors, can cater for up to three people at a time and can be tailored to suit all abilities and goals, from first-time riders to regular cyclists looking to improve their skills.

For more information visit Devon County Council.