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This new drive to boost cycling will create more opportunities for exercise as well as helping to tackle road congestion and improve air quality. It fulfils a commitment to increase investment in sustainable transport initiatives, outlined in the recent strategy document, 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System'.

The money will be invested over the next three years and forms part of the Government's forthcoming Obesity Strategy.

Authorities across the South West could help get more people on their bikes by becoming new Cycling Demonstration Towns, or offering local children the chance to be cycle trained.

The national six-fold increase in funding will:
allow an extra 500,000 10 year-olds across England to take part in Bikeability cycle training by 2012, equipping them to cycle safely and responsibly

build another 250 Safe Links to Schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network. Many schools with links have already doubled the number of pupils cycling to school

create up to a further 10 Cycling Demonstration Towns in England, as well as the first large Demonstration City. In just one year the six current Cycling Demonstration Towns achieved an average 20% increase in cycle trips.

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
"This new money represents a great opportunity for the South West join the cycling revolution. By getting more people on their bikes, we can help tackle congestion and pollution, as well as helping promote health and fitness opportunities.

"Bikeability training and Cycling Demonstration Towns have proven a great success so far and I want to see more. I hope authorities in the South West will take advantage of the funding I've announced today, so we see more local children trained and equipped to cycle safely and responsibly, and more towns joining Exeter become centres of excellence in promoting cycling."

The funding package will go to Cycling England, the body set up by Government to promote cycling, to continue their successful work.

Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England, said:
"Cycling England has produced compelling evidence to show that increased and sustained levels of investment in cycling can make a substantial impact.

"We are delighted that the Government has acted and believe today's announcement will make a real difference to the way we travel - to school, work and the station. The expansion of Bikeability training will give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride on today's roads.

"The bicycle really does have a role in helping meet England's transport challenges. It is now taking its place as a proper mode of transport."