The government is investing an additional £13m in Bikeability, a programme designed to ensure schoolchildren across England will learn essential cycling skills.

Bikeability training is offered at three levels, based on a child’s age and experience.

Training starts with basic bike-handling skills in a traffic-free, controlled environment and builds to managing a variety of traffic conditions on different types of roads.

The funding will ensure the programme is able to continue for another year – with around 50 per cent of primary schools across England now being able to access the programme.

In the 12 months to April 2019, more than 400,000 children took part in sessions offered by the programme.

"Cycling and walking are great forms of exercise, helping to reduce child obesity, and boosting people’s physical and mental health," said secretary of state for transport Grant Shapps, who announced the funding.

"I hope that the £13m investment will help Bikeability continue to train millions more young cyclists over the coming years.|

Jo Churchill, public health minister, added: "The extension of this scheme is a vital step in encouraging more children to be active.

"Physical activity has so many health benefits for our children – it keeps them fit and healthy, strengthens muscles and bones, increases self-esteem, and improves concentration and learning in school."

Launched in 2006, it is estimated that more than 3 million children have benefitted from the Bikeability scheme.

The funding for Bikeability follows a pledge by the government to provide £20m towards creating traffic-free cycling and walking routes and improved signage, road crossings and accessibility for the National Cycle Network.