School transport: London to expand cycling scheme
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
London's transport chiefs are investing hundreds of thousands of pounds to encourage more children to cycle to school.
Transport for London is set to spend 390,000 over three yearsexpanding the Bike It scheme, which is already up and running in 15local authorities across England.
The funding will pay for Bike It officers to work with schools acrossthe capital.
Participating schools will be chosen for their enthusiasm for cycling,the potential to increase cycling in the area and the level of supportfrom the local authority.
David Rowe, head of project development at Transport for London, said:"We hope Bike It will help us turn children's natural enthusiasm forcycling into a new travel habit they will keep for a lifetime."
Currently, fewer than two per cent of all school journeys in the UK aremade by bike, compared to more than half in Denmark.
