Kingston Council is set to spend around £125,000 on teaching locals how to ride a bike following Monday's announcement it has received £1.4million from Transport for London (TfL) for several schemes which also include expanding 20mph zones across the borough.

The local authority said the funding for the 2023/24 financial year will allow it to make local streets safer for years to come. Kingston Council was awarded the cash through a TfL scheme which helps to fund projects that support the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's transport strategy.

The authority approved projects for the funding bid back in September 2022, but said exact costs could change slightly with more detailed costings when the plans were submitted to TfL. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has asked for the latest figures and was told the cycle scheme was around the costings identified in the plans, but figures would be shared in due course.

One initiative in the scheme will offer cycle training to locals of all ages and include those at the lowest abilities, according to the report, while aiming to increase take-up of advanced training. The proposed funding for the project was listed at £125,000 for 2023/24.

The cash will also allow the council to finish rolling out 20mph speed limits on 30mph residential roads that it controls, after neighbourhood committees approved the new restrictions.

The council report from September said funding for the 20mph expansion scheme could also be used to monitor the effectiveness of the lower speed limits where they have already been delivered, and review whether more traffic measures are needed. A total of £60,000 was proposed for the scheme in 2023/24, and an extra £100,000 in 2024/25.

The authority said the funds will also support other local projects to improve travel choices and access for residents. All the schemes aim to "enhance the borough's sustainable transport offer, create safer streets and improve air quality", the council added.

Lib Dem councillor Ian Manders, portfolio holder for climate action and sustainable transport, said: "Tackling climate change and ensuring a greener future for residents is a top priority for the council. This Transport for London funding for local projects will help to make our streets healthier and safer for years to come.

"By striving for the best for our neighbourhoods, we can continue to transform them into welcoming, healthy spaces where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life."

The council said it expects a further announcement from TfL on investment in Kingston's cycle lanes as part of the allocation.