Safer cycling for school children

A grant of £300,000 has been awarded to provide improved walking and cycling facilities for school children in Leicestershire, it has been announced.

The money will be spent on the introduction of new crossings, speed reduction measures, cycle tracks and cycle parking.

The grants have been awarded by the transport charity Sustrans, on behalf of Cycling England.

A total of 16 schools will benefit from the new facilities.

Reduced traffic

The council said the money will help support changing how children travel to school.

Nicholas Rushton, deputy leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "This project will make a big difference to the 16 schools.

"The new facilities for cycling and walking being installed at these schools will visibly reduce traffic at the school gates.

"The provision of these grants has enabled a greater number of schemes to be provided than the county council could have afforded on its own."