Children across Telford will be able to take advantage of free cycle training following the launch of a new borough-wide scheme last week.
Supporters say cycling is a great way for youngsters to enjoy exercise and develop freedom and a sense of independence.
At the same time, it helps reduce pollution and congestion caused by the notorious “school run”.
Bikeability - the 21st century equivalent of the old cycling proficiency test - was officially launched last week at Redhill Primary School in Priorslee.
With the help of a grant from Cyling England, all school-based Bikeability courses in Telford will be free this academic year.
Redhill Primary School was chosen for the launch because of its success in getting children cycling - largely thanks to teacher Sean Styles.
He said: “I’m passionate about cycling and I’m doing everything I can to pass this on to the children.
“Our school is an officially registered British Cycling Club and we recently took a large bunch of children along to watch the Tour of Britain when the race passed through Telford.
“Since we had a secure bike parking rack put in this summer, we’ve seen the number of children cycling to school go up from none to 20 or 30 each day.”
Phil Lorenz, Telford & Wrekin Council road safety officer, said Bikeability was a fun way for children to develop bike handling skills and safety techniques on the playground before being allowed out onto the roads.
“There’s been a lot of interest from schools all over Telford and our team of cycling instructors are keen to encourage them to take part,” he said.
Councillor Veronica Fletcher, ward member, attended the launch and was impressed at the speed with which the children gained confidence in just an hour.
She said: “With Bikeability and our Safe Routes to School schemes, Telford is doing a lot to encourage cycling - and we must get across the message that safety comes first.
“Cycling gives children exercise, they enjoy the environment and fresh air, it teaches them consideration for other people and it also reduces traffic on the roads by freeing parents from school run duty.”