SCHOOLCHILDREN in Winsford have been showing off their cycling skills as part of a national initiative promoting healthy and sustainable travel. 

Pupils at Oak View Academy have taken part in a week of training to develop essential bike skills and learn about road safety awareness.

The sessions have been delivered by Bikeability as part of Cycle to School Week, which aims to encourage pupils to make cycling a regular part of their journey to and from school.

And during the week, Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper paid a visit to the Whitby's Lane school to see first-hand how the young cyclists were progressing.

On his visit, the children were keen to showcase the skills they had learned, from basic bike handling to more advanced manoeuvres, and shared their excitement about cycling to school safely.

In praising both the school and the initiative, Mr Cooper said: "It’s fantastic to see Oak View Academy taking part in such a valuable programme.

Pupils show off their cycling skills to MP Andrew CooperPupils show off their cycling skills to MP Andrew Cooper (Image: Supplied) "Learning to cycle safely gives children confidence, improves physical and mental wellbeing and supports greener, more sustainable travel to school.

"By encouraging more children to cycle we can help transform our communities to be happier and healthier."

The week-long training was part of the national Bikeability cycle training programme, which is supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s road safety team.

This team provides free Bikeability training, with funding provided by Active Travel England.

During the week, children learned about road safety, the importance of wearing helmets and how to maintain their bicycles.

Proud head teacher Helen Bebbington said the initiative aligns with the school’s focus on promoting active and healthy lifestyles among its pupils.

She added: "It’s been wonderful to see the children so engaged, and to see their confidence grow on two wheels.

"We are committed to encouraging our pupils to embrace cycling as a healthy, eco-friendly option for traveling to school.

“We would like to thank the council and Bikeabilty for giving our students this opportunity."

For more information on Cycle to School Week and the Bikeability program, visit www.bikeability.org.uk.