Insync Bikes welcomes £1m school cycling fund to further cement ‘golden age’ legacy

Manchester bike brand Insync Bikes has welcomed a government announcement that schools across England will benefit from £1m of funding to get more children riding their bike to school.

Cycling Minister Chris Heaton-Harris announced yesterday that the new programme would see cycle repair workshops set up in primary schools and local neighbourhoods to make sure students’ bikes are fit for the road.

The announcement came as Bike to School Week geared up across the country and came alongside a further £1m programme to boost the number of children walking to school.

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

Gopal Krishan, Insync Bikes Head of Business said: “As a family bike brand Insync welcomes the government’s announcement that will undoubtedly encourage even more families to take up cycling during what has been a landmark year for the industry. During difficult times, cycling has provided people across the country with the chance to get out riding together to improve their physical and mental health.

“The government predicted a ‘golden age’ for cycling back in May and this £1m plan further cements their intention, along with the millions of pounds worth of cycle paths being mapped out across the country. Insync looks forward to seeing increased take-up of cycling become a positive legacy of the pandemic for generations to come.”

The government said Bikeability training had also recently restarted in schools across England, helping children gain confidence and boost their cycling skills.

The programme is part of the Big Bike Revival scheme, launched in 2015, which provides funding and support, so that independent bike shops, bicycle recycling organisations and not-for-profit cycling groups can offer assistance to those who need it.

From bike safety checks and repairs to bike loans – this scheme will ensure that everyone can get from A to B on two wheels. This year the scheme has seen 3,509 bikes fixed since May, 154 partners delivering Doctor Bike events and 4,116 key workers reached through services.