A learn-to-ride cycle track is helping to teach young children how to be safe on the roads while riding their bike.

The track in Witton Park has opened to residents in a bid to encourage more children to learn how to ride a bike safely.

An £18,696 grant from British Cycling’s Places to Ride has funded the project which has zebra crossings, road signs and more to help children get used to how the roads will look when they are out cycling.

Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Jackie Floyd, said: ”I’m excited by the new track at Witton that enables families to have fun together outdoors.

“The positive ripple effect of learning to ride a bike at a young age, introduction to road awareness, it all helps with our Covid recovery and the longer term impact of the wellbeing of our town and the response to climate emergency. It’s all connected.

“I’ll be visiting with my grandson very soon. Thank you to all those who had the vision to create this space.”

Each Friday a tot’s trail class takes place which costs just 50p per child aged two to four to hire a balance bike and helmet.

The session will help the youngsters get used to balancing and using a bike before they move onto pedals.

Moving into the future, the refresh team are hoping to offer a variety of sessions on the track for all ages to encourage people to get out on their bike.

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Derek Hardman added: “This is a fantastic brand-new facility for young children to begin learn to ride a bicycle in a safe manor.

“It’s an opportunity to get young children outdoors and hopefully as they grow up they will continue to cycle which is good for their fitness and health – it’s a great facility and I hope it will be used by many children across the borough.”

In total, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sport England, the Places to Ride programme has made £15 million available to ensure a lasting legacy in England from the 2019 UCI Road World Championships.