The number of children injured in cycle accidents in Oxfordshire has more than halved in the last 10 years.

A total of 34 children were hurt in bike accidents in 2006 compared to 89 in 1997. Fewer youngsters were injured last year than in any year since records began in 1979.

Road safety officers, who provided more than 3,600 children with free cycle training in 2006, have welcomed the figures.

Wendy Jennings, Oxfordshire County Council's road safety officer, said: "I am thrilled that so many children have taken part in our training schemes and that the number of injuries has declined so much."

David Robertson, the council's executive member for transport, added: "It cannot be a coincidence that the number of children trained has gone up while the number of injuries has plummeted.

"This is an example of forward planning and thinking providing value for money for people in Oxfordshire, as well as safeguarding our communities."

Among the 700 volunteers who helped teach schoolchildren to ride a bike was a man who owes his life to a cycle helmet.

Roland D'Costa, 55, of Cassington, lost control when he was cycling off-road at Stockley Bottom, near Stonesfield, but was saved from serious injury by his helmet, which was split in two by the impact. He escaped with mild concussion and a severe headache after crashing into a tree.

Mr D'Costa, who took the split helmet to show pupils at St Peter's School, Cassington, said: "Looking at my smashed cycle helmet, I can only imagine what the injury to my head would have been."

Road safety officer Julie Jones said: "We make sure that children have a proper size cycling helmet and chat to them about the importance of wearing them."

According to the council, an estimated 85 per cent of child cycling injuries happen off the road.