Bikeability services contract awarded to Steer Davies

Date: 12/9/2011

Millions of pounds have been made available to fund the UK's cycling proficiency scheme, while a new contract for the day-to-day provision of services to the project has also been awarded.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that Steer Davies Group won the competitive tender process to manage this aspect of the Bikeability programme, with the use of a single supplier rather than multiple contracts predicted to save £1.2 million over the next 3.5 years.

During the 2011-12 financial year, £11 million will be put towards providing cycling training.

Bikeability is described as a cycling proficiency course 'for the 21st century' and is broken down into three levels, which each teach children the skills they need to take to two wheels with confidence.

It was developed with the input of more than 20 organisations and is supported by government divisions including the DfT, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department of Health.

Norman Baker, the Transport Minister, said: "Bikeability promotes the benefits of cycling as a healthy and enjoyable way of getting around. On a wider level it helps to reduce congestion, gives children more opportunities for exercise and plays a part in the fight against climate change."

Posted by Sarah Bailey