YOUNG cyclists are most likely to be killed or hurt on our roads.

But road safety experts say £6,000 will help save young lives.

They are appealing for businesses to donate £750 apiece to fund safe cycling educational packs.

Accident research figures have prompted the Council's road safety unit to give the borough's 12,000 young cyclists proper training before pedalling on to busy roads.

A training package as part of their school curriculum will prepare them for actual on bike training during the summer break.

The Safe Cycling package will be officially launched in June and 4,000 school children a year will get a training pack each year for the next three years.

Road Safety officer Darren Barton said: "It is terrible to think young lives are being damaged or even lost every year for want of some basic training.

"At that age having a bike is a fundamental part of life. Riding it to school or messing about on it after school is also natural.

"Sadly road conditions deteriorate every year with cars and lorries in dangerous competition for space with cyclists.

"Our Safe Cycling initiative will save young lives.

"But we urgently need to find a consortium of business sponsors who between them will produce the £6,000 needed."

Anyone who can help with sponsorship should call Darren on 01942 828449.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.