After a successful pilot in Clacton and Jaywick Sands, Essex Pedal Power will be expanding into Greenstead, Colchester, in Autumn 2022.
The announcement will be made at an event in Greenstead on Saturday, 1 October, which will give residents the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and register their interest. Applications will open later this year.
Essex Pedal Power is a community-based cycling project, which will allow eligible residents over the age of 16 to loan a new bike, free of charge. The scheme provides a low-cost, sustainable travel method, increasing access to employment and higher and further education opportunities further afield as well as key local services in nearby locations. The programme plans to distribute 800 bikes in phases throughout 2022 to 2025, which will have a significant impact on the activity levels of local people, improving health and boosting physical and mental wellbeing.
Essex Pedal Power received funding from Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and the Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot as well as Colchester City Council as part of the £18.2 million Town Deal Fund. This will be one of the first projects in the ambitious plans to ensure Greenstead is better connected to the wider Colchester community.
The scheme will loan bikes to eligible residents for an initial period of six months. If the traceable GPS tracker indicates the bike is being used regularly the resident will be able to keep the bike. In addition, participants can access free learn to ride training and basic bike maintenance sessions.
Essex Pedal Power is a partnership of Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot, Essex County Council, The Active Wellbeing Society, Colchester City Council, We Are Colchester, Sport England and local stakeholders and community groups.
Cllr Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities said: "We are so pleased we now have the opportunity to replicate this community cycling project for residents in Greenstead. The scheme will help to improve their connectivity to the city centre, and we are also hoping it will help to improve the physical and mental health of residents, which is key to the Heart of Greenstead project. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Essex Pedal Power will have in strengthening our local communities.”
Find out more about the Essex Pedal Power Scheme here: Essex Pedal Power - Active Essex
Register your interest in the project please fill in the form here: Essex Pedal Power - Greenstead, Colchester - Active Essex
Page last reviewed: 27 September 2022