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HAWKINGE CYCLISTS WELL PLACED TO GET ON THEIR BIKES

Hawkinge cyclists will be well placed to benefit from a £5million government funded project announced today, to improve health and reduce pollution.

Many of the new developments in the village have integrated cycle tracks, and cyclists can already pedal in a safe environment.

Under the new scheme, car drivers will be urged to get on their bikes by a national organisation promoting cycling as a sustainable form of transport.

Cycling England has been set up to increase two-wheeled traffic across England, reducing road congestion and pollution, and helping people stay healthy.

It will have funding of at least £5m a year for the next three years to spend on programmes to convince people to leave the car at home.

The organisation will also launch a new qualification to ensure that both children and adults are properly trained before they take to the roads.

The National Standard for Cycle Training has three levels, covering basic cycling for beginners, an introduction to on-road cycling, and advanced cycling for busier roads.

Minister for Local Transport Charlotte Atkins said: "Cycling is fun, fast, green and healthy. It can contribute to a wide range of government objectives - such as accessibility, sustainability, public health - as well as reducing transport congestion.

"Our aim is to get more people cycling, more safely, more often."