Students at schools across the Slough Borough are being encouraged to ride their bikes to school and have them security marked in order to keep them safe.

The ‘Better By’ initiatives aims to encourage more pupils to ride their bikes to school and improve their levels of exercise, subsequently helping to reduce congestion from cars on the roads at school drop off and pick up times.

Pupils at The Westgate School in Cippenham Lane have been offered free security marking where the frame numbers are registered on a national database approved by the police. The Council have pledged to work with 28 schools across the borough to create sustainable travel initiatives.

Cllr Martin Carter, cabinet member for planning and transport, said: “Slough Borough Council’s sustainable travel team, Better By works with businesses, schools and community groups to make cycling and walking the natural choice for short journeys.

“Bike theft is a recurring problem in Slough, as it is across most boroughs. By partnering up with the UK’s leading bicycle identification and registration scheme, BikeRegister - we have made a move to reduce cycle theft, identify stolen bikes and help owners recover their bikes.”