Schools in Otley and Yeadon are being urged to take advantage of a free offer to help their pupils cycle safely.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) has written to all primary schools in the ward to encourage them to take up free cycle training, courtesy of Leeds City Council.

The local authority recently made a successful bid to the Department for Transport to fund Bikeability training for more than 4,000 Year 5 and 6 pupils across Leeds.

Most of the training is for Bikeability level two, which teaches pupils how to cycle safely and confidently on the road, including on short trips to school.

Coun Downes said: “Cycling is great as a quick and cheap way to get around and a fantastic way to keep fit.

“But it’s important that if you’re cycling on the roads you know what you’re doing.

“This free training is a great opportunity for schools to give their pupils the ability and confidence to ride safely on roads.

“Teaching young people to cycle safely also gets them into good habits early on, making it more likely that they’ll keep cycling as adults.

“The training is limited to 4,000 pupils across Leeds so I’m urging all primary schools in this area to get in quick before it’s gone.”