Councils in Hampshire are being quizzed on cycle training schemes as part of moves to establish a national benchmark for cycle instruction and leadership.

The government-backed English Regions Cycling Development team is visiting all local authorities to find out what they are doing to encourage cycling-which includes completing a detailed questionnaire on cyclist training.

They hope to establish what training is available in each local authority, the numbers having the training, the qualifications of the instructors, training costs and investment.

Findings from the survey will also be used by national cyclists' organisation, CTC, in its project to set UK-wide standards for the organisation of all cycling activities.

This will include training for children, child protection, organisation of outdoor trips, charity rides, cycling holidays and events on public roads.

CTC wants to see the number of children trained to new national standards quadruple by 2006.

Around 300,000 children complete cycle training schemes each year but at least half of those programmes do not even meet existing guidelines.

There are also more than 100 small businesses running cycling holidays and between 1,500 and 2,000 local groups organising rides.

Sue Coles, secretary of CTC Hampshire Cycling, said: "Some primary school children in Hampshire get access to cycle proficiency training, but it's basic and many children get none.

"For older children and adults, there's almost nothing. For adults in Winchester, we run an evening session during National Bike Week each June, but this is a drop in the ocean.

"National and local government must put in a lot more resource-and we'll be happy to help."