AN initiative aimed at getting kids cycling before they start school has been launched in Glasgow.

The Play on Pedals project, run by Glasgow Bike Station, wants to give all four-year-olds the chance to learn to ride a bike.

Pro BMX riders Ali Cameron and Kayley Ashworth impressed onlookers with a series of stunts at the launch event, before holding a cycle training session with tots from the Westercraigs and Festival Park nurseries.

The scheme, which has been recognised as a 2014 Legacy project by Glasgow City Council, will introduce around 7500 children to cycling over two-years.

Development Officer Polly Jarman said: "By providing local resources and training we aim to end exclusion from cycling for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"By teaching kids to ride at an early stage, we hope they establish a lifelong relationship with cycling and its many health, environmental and social benefits.

"We want to encourage children to have fun on their bikes, to play outdoors with their families and gain confidence and new skills.

"In creating a future generation of cyclists, we aim to make Glasgow a more cycle-friendly city as a whole, delivering our own lasting legacy in the wake of the 2014 Games."

Launching the scheme were representatives from cycling charity CTC, Cycling Scotland, Glasgow Bike Station and Play Scotland.

The People's Postcode Lottery provided £232,000 to help kick-start the project.