LEARNING to ride a bike can be one of the most joyful experiences of a child’s life.

But not every little one is fortunate enough to get that chance at home.

Now, thanks to the new Cycling Together scheme – which is aiming to get more people pedalling across the town – youngsters between the ages of three and five have the chance to learn to ride bikes without stabilisers.

It will see cycling hubs set up around St Helens in schools, nurseries and children’s centres.

The scheme is a partnership between St Helens Council, the Big Lottery and Sustrans – the charity that promotes sustainable transport.

It was launched at St Ann’s CE Primary School in Rainhill, where the first hub is being set up.

Staff from the school and participating nurseries were trained to use the equipment that will enable children to learn the skills that help them to ride.

Head teacher Rebecca Wilkinson said: “Learning to ride a bike is a significant moment in anyone’s life, bringing with it a huge range of benefits including healthy growth and development, independence, confidence and responsibility.”

The council’s traffic and road safety team are setting up further hubs around St Helens so training can begin shortly.

For details of the nearest family cycling hub and training for children, contact the traffic and road safety team on 01744 676852 or 01744 676851.