You asked, we listened! After several requests from Essex Pedal Power (EPP) cyclists, 11 brand new cycle parking spaces have been installed across Clacton and Jaywick, with the help of Essex Highways and Cyclehoop, who aim to make cycling safe, secure, and convenient for the community.
The new cycle spaces and bike lockups will provide cyclists with safe spaces to place their bikes whilst they travel around the district. It provides freedom for the cyclists and the chance to increase their activity levels when travelling to their destinations. In addition, the benefits of being outdoors amongst others, aids social interaction and brings the community together, helping to improve mental health and wellbeing.
For those unfamiliar with Essex Pedal Power, it’s a new and exciting community-based project being piloted in Clacton and Jaywick Sands, which allows eligible residents over the age of 12 to apply for a new FREE quality bicycle. The new inclusive programme aims to make cycling more accessible for everyone providing access to employment, training and educational opportunities or key local services.
Kris Radley, Cycling Strategy Leader at Essex Highways shared; “The EPP project was looking to provide a range of cycle parking/storage solutions that would help address the varying needs of individuals, the project and the wider cycling community. This included on-street secure bike storage, community hubs, plus more traditional cycle parking solutions at key destinations and trip attractors. To date we have installed a number of bright orange Essex Pedal Power Bike Ports and bike hangers at key locations across Jaywick and Clacton.”
“The hope is that we can introduce more as the project grows and as we learn about where people want to cycle and park their bikes. Bike Ports have been installed at key locations across Jaywick and Clacton including outside the library, the leisure centre, and The Job Centre. So far, the feedback has been extremely positive with several stakeholders impressed with the impact the orange bike ports are having in the area. Essex Pedal Power was looking for a provider who would be able to supply a range of ‘high profile/big impact’ cycle parking solutions, and Cyclehoop were able to provide this and more.”
This pilot scheme is expected to grow exponentially and expand its tracks across the county. Our goal is to help provide access for residents across Essex to engage in new community cycling clubs, with the aspiration to build new cycling facilities, that support the programme and provide more opportunities for residents to take part in cycling.
You can find out more about Essex Pedal Power and if you are eligible for the scheme here:
