FREE cycle training will be put on for primary school children, after a Bikeability provider was found at the last minute.

In June, the Swindon Advertiser revealed Year 6 children faced going without the training sessions. A preferred provider had been found to take on the £90,000 training contract, but they pulled out too late for an alternative provider to be found, Swindon Borough Council said in June.

Now, Bristol firm Life Cycle UK has been awarded the Bikeability training contract. They will be offering the free sessions to Swindon youngsters from this month.

Jacqui Wilcox, training manager at Life Cycle UK, said she was also in discussion with the council about providing bike safety training for next term’s Year 7 students who missed out on Bikeability sessions this year due to the contracts bungle.

She told the Swindon Advertiser: “We do appreciate there’s a whole Year 6 cohort that have missed out. We are exploring ways of managing that, either through holiday courses or approaching them next year. We need to take a view on whether the schools are able to take them out of class.”

Ms Wilcox said the Bikeability courses, which are funded by central government, gave children confidence in using the road safely.

Coun Fionuala Foley, cabinet member for highways, welcomed news a new provider had been found: “I’m thrilled we have managed to secure Life Cycle UK as our Bikeability training provider for the next academic year.

“No one was more disappointed than me that we could not offer the cycle training this year as we have previously done for thousands of Year 6 pupils but, unfortunately, this was due to circumstances outside of our control.”

Labour councillors have greeted the news with approval. Coun Jane Milner-Barry (Old Town) said: “It’s really good that after pressure from the Labour Party and parents this contract has been re-awarded, but it’s very unfortunate that Year 6 children this year won’t be given this term.”

Campaigner Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign, which later this month will hold a cycling festival at the County Ground, added: “It's great news that the council have listened to parents and appreciate how important it is for children to learn how to make journeys by bike."

Summer holiday courses run by Life Cycle UK will begin this month.

The Bristol firm is looking for keen cyclists interested in working to deliver the schools courses in Swindon. Ms Wilcox said: “Anyone who likes working with children, enjoys being outdoors in all weathers and is available to work during term time, should get in touch.”

For more, visit: www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/swindon.