Thousands of schoolchildren from across Walsall will be able to learn to cycle safely after tuition funding was given an 11th hour reprieve.

More than 3,000 children across the borough will be able to take the traditional cycling proficiency test after the Department of Transport provided £11,000.

The traditional scheme was due to fall under the axe as a cost-cutting exercise in this year’s Walsall Council budget.

But now the money has been found from the newly launched Bikeability Scheme.

Primary schools in Walsall are being signed up to the first round of level one training, which is the most basic course, with sessions due to start as early as next month. The aim is to have all year six pupils take part.

Cabinet member Councillor Rachel Walker, pictured, said: “It was disappointing that the scheme was under threat at all – but this new funding means we can continue to teach our young people the skills to be safe whilst out and about.”

The scheme offers three levels of bicycle training, which will be offered through the authority. Schools which were due to have training as part of the old scheme will be the first to be offered a new chance. 

For more information call 01922 652517.