After an 18-month refurbishment, the new unit, containing 20 bikes, helmets, safety vests and teaching equipment, was re-launched at Footscray City Primary School last Wednesday.

Created in 1996, the bike trailer supports schools and community groups to teach children to be safer cyclists.

Maribyrnong Council's RoadSafe Westgate representative, Martin Zakharov, said the bike trailer was one of only a few in the Melbourne area.

He said it would be used in school initiatives such as Bike Education, Ride2School and sustainable travel programs and would be particularly useful for teaching migrants about bike riding.

"Equipping these new and emerging communities with road-safety skills and the confidence to cycle safely is essential to creating a thriving and healthy community."

The project is jointly funded through Shell Australia and RoadSafe Westgate in Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham.

Hire fees will be used to cover the trailer's operating costs.

Details and bookings: Maribyrnong Council sustainable transport officer Gael Reid, 96880416, or email gael.reid@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au< p>