Colchester's Bike Hub marked its first anniversary with a celebration held at the hub on Saturday, 27 April. Among the attendees were Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, representatives from the local business community, as well as Bike Hub customers and stakeholders.
Located in Colchester's city centre, in Portal Precinct off Sir Isaac’s Walk, the Bike Hub has become a hub of activity, fostering a sense of community among cyclists, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
One of the key highlights of the Bike Hub is its Secure Bike Park, providing cyclists with a safe and convenient space to park their bikes indoors for just £1 a day. The hub also hires out e-bikes and cargo bikes which are bookable via the internet and hireable by the hour up to a day. There’s an e-bike, a longtail cargo bike, and two 2-wheeled cargo box bikes to choose from. Additionally, the Bike Hub's Bike Kitchen has empowered cyclists to take control of their bike maintenance, offering repair facilities and expertise to keep bikes in top condition.
Alongside the Bike Hub celebrations, the business community marked the 20th anniversary of the Colchester Travel Plan Club. Established in 2004, the Club has expanded its network of businesses and organisations committed to reducing traffic congestion, promoting healthier lifestyles, and lowering CO2 emissions. Through collaborative efforts, businesses can provide their staff with exclusive public transport discounts and other incentives, thereby aiding in reducing the business carbon footprint and simultaneously assisting staff in saving money.
Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, portfolio holder for Planning, Environment and Sustainability, said: “The Colchester Bike Hub and Travel Plan Club show how working together as a community for eco-friendly transport can make a big difference. Their contributions to reducing carbon emissions, promoting active lifestyles, and fostering community engagement are truly commendable.”
Helen Akpabio, Active Travel Manager at Essex County Council, said: “Over the last 20 years, we've continued to work with the CTPC on a wide range of different projects to help our colleagues in Colchester to travel in a more active and sustainable way – reducing congestion, improving air quality, and helping staff live more healthy and active lifestyles. CTPC has also worked closely with the Essex Sustainable Travel Planning team to support our work and give the best possible offer for Colchester Businesses. Work undertaken by the CTPC also supports ECC’s wider ambitions for Essex to become a safer, greener and healthier county by offering residents a choice in how they travel and by encouraging walking, cycling or taking the bus or train, rather than automatically using their cars.”
Marc Yearling, Travel Plan Coordinator at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), said: “As the Travel Plan Coordinator at ESNEFT, I have been working closely with CTPC since my arrival in 2020. Their experience and expertise have proved invaluable – both in terms of improving existing travel schemes for our staff as well as innovative new schemes to the area. They have also proved valuable with assistance to events and activities on our site, such as Clean Air Day, bike maintenance sessions and patient surveys.”
Iain Farquharson, Transport Manager at the University of Essex, said: “The University of Essex has been pleased to work with CTPC over many years, the team are always willing and able to help and we look forward to more collaboration in the future.”
Photo shows local supporters and operators of the Bike Hub celebrating its first anniversary on Saturday 27 April 2024.
Page last reviewed: 29 April 2024