A TEAM of regional cycling experts has been appointed to battle for improvements in conditions for cyclists in a new £3 million campaign.

Independent consultant AEA Technology is to create a new English Regional Cycling Development Team that will report to the National Cycling Strategy Board for England.

The Board was tasked with delivering a four-fold increase in cycling from 1996 levels by 2012. The new team will be responsible for auditing how well local authorities provide for cyclists, offering targeted advice for cyclists and creating partnerships with organisations involved in encouraging cycling.