A NEW initiative in Worcester to encourage people to leave their cars at home and use different forms of transport has triggered a chain reaction in the city.

The county council launched its Choose How You Move scheme last month with a demonstration of cycles from London-based firm Company Of Cycles.

The display proved such a success that the social enterprise firm is returning this week to visit six schools across the city, promoting the use of bicycles as a relevant form of transport in the 21st Century.

The sessions this week at Warndon Junior School, Elgar Technology College, Bishop Perowne, St Barnabas, Christopher Whitehead and Our Lady Queen Of Peace schools are covering basic cycle maintenance, safe cycling and the benefits of cycling as a form of regular and healthy exercise.

Pupils will also get the chance to test ride a range of bicycles on offer.

Mark Leyland, school travel adviser for Choose How You Move, welcomed the firm's cycling initiative.

"This is a great opportunity for all the schools involved," he said.

"The activities on offer are a great way of encouraging schoolchildren to cycle more while ensuring that all health and safety issues are taken into account."

Worcester is one of three centres throughout the country chosen by the Government and given £3.52m over five years for a pilot scheme to tackle traffic congestion and promote various alternatives to the car.