CYCLISTS are being urged to keep pedalling through the winter with a £40 coupon to deal with the cold.

The "Keep Riding Through Winter" voucher, offered by Ealing Council, is for adults who complete cycle training between October and March.

It allows cyclists to buy mudguards, lights, puncture-resistant tyres, gloves or other clothing to ride out the winter.

The voucher is accepted in any of Ealing’s five independent cycle shops.

Cyclist and Hanwell resident Adam Wells, 33, said: “That would come in handy!

“I do cycle less in winter because my mits freeze. I don’t think I need training but any help is always welcome.”

The pro-cycling boost follows a council decision to reinstate the eastbound cycle lane on the Uxbridge Road at Ealing Common.

Pressure group Ealing Cycling Campaign lobbied the council to bring back the lane after it was removed in early August and replaced with around 20 car parking spaces.

Cyclists were said to be squeezed between the twin dangers of car doors opening on their left, and vehicles overtaking on their right.

“The result is a great improvement,” an Ealing Cycling Campaign spokesman said. “The safety gap is essential.”

The campaign followed the death of cyclist Sam Harding in August.

The 25-year-old collided with a bus in Holloway Road after appearing to swerve around an opening car door.

On-road cycle training is an essential pre-requisite for the cycle voucher. Instructors will provide training anywhere in Ealing and it is available to all adult residents.

To book a lesson, ring Cycle Training UK on Freefone 0800 093 6454 quoting “Cycle Training for Ealing”.

Lessons cost £5. Children and those out of work can attend for free.