Barnsley backs £499k Bikeability funding to keep cycle training in schools
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has formally approved plans to accept up to £499,000 in government funding to continue cycle training for children and young people across the borough.
The decision was signed off by the cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, Councillor James Higginbottom, following consideration of a report on the future of the Bikeability programme.
Bikeability is the UK government’s national cycle education scheme, run by the Bikeability Trust, and teaches children how to ride safely and confidently on today’s roads. Training is delivered in stages, starting with basic bike handling in traffic-free environments and progressing to more complex road and junction skills.
The programme is currently delivered in primary and some secondary schools across Barnsley, helping to boost confidence, life skills and levels of active travel among children.
The council’s sport and physical activity team receives the Bikeability grant on behalf of the UK government, with delivery commissioned through a tendering process to an approved Bikeability provider with qualified staff.
According to a council report, the scheme provides a “very important and free activity” for schools and pupils, supporting healthier lifestyles and wider physical activity across the borough.
However, officers warned of several risks linked to the funding. The current grant ends on March 31, 2026, and future funding has not yet been confirmed due to the national budget review process. There is also uncertainty over the final grant amount, which could be higher or lower than current levels.
Despite this, the cabinet spokesperson approved the recommendation to accept the potential funding in advance, based on existing grant levels, to avoid disruption to the service and ensure a provider can be appointed in time.
The decision clears the way for the council to accept funding totalling up to £499,000 over the period from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029, subject to final confirmation of the grant.