Daventry MP announces £1m repair scheme to get children back on their bikes

The MP for Daventry used a visit to a Northamptonshire school to announce a £1m fund to help children fix their bikes.

Cycling Minister Chris-Heaton-Harris says 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.

The MP announced the funding in a visit to Kislingbury Primary School on October 1 during Bike to School Week.

‘Doctor Bike’ clinics will be rolled out across England next month, targeting areas where children are more likely to need support in getting their bikes roadworthy for regular use on the school run.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: “Cycling and walking is good for people and the planet’s health, so we want half of all journeys being cycled or walked by 2030. To do that, we must encourage young people to see cycling and walking as normal as getting the bus or train.

“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."

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 four million new walking trips – is being extended to roll out further measures to support walking.