Cycling plan targets new mothers

The campaign is targeting mothers who are returning to work

A campaign to recruit more than 1,000 cycling instructors has been launched, focusing on mothers returning to work.

Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis is backing the scheme, launched by Cycling England and implemented by cycling proficiency group Bikeability.

The instructors are being recruited to help train 500,000 children to ride a bike safely by 2012.

Ms Lewis, who is a mother of three children, said that cycling "is a key life skill".

She also said it was "important that we give children the chance to learn how to cycle safely and independently.

"My kids love cycling outside in the fresh air, and I love seeing the sense of independence it gives them, but it's really important to make sure they get the right training from day one."

Training bursaries of £300 are available and up to £20,000 can be earned by those in the job.

Paul Robison, Cycling England's Bikeability manager, said: "Instructors are at the frontline of our nationwide campaign to get 500,000 children Bikeability trained by 2012.

"Bikeability is quite unlike the old cycling proficiency scheme and instead offers real on the road training. That's why we want parents not only to welcome Bikeability training for their own children but to actively become part of its delivery."