Essex Pedal Power recognised at Highways Awards

Community-led initiative brought free bikes and improved cycling infrastructure to Clacton and Jaywick.

A scheme to improve cycling in Clacton and Jaywick has been highly commended at a national awards ceremony.

Essex Pedal Power is a £2.7 million community-led travel initiative. The project brought improved cycling infrastructure and free bikes to residents in Tendring, helping to connect communities and improve access to employment and education opportunities.

The project was highly commended at the Highways Awards on Wednesday 11 October in the Active Travel Scheme of the Year category.

Essex Pedal Power launched in 2021. It is a partnership between the Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot, Essex County Council, The Active Wellbeing Society, Tendring District Council, Sport England and community groups.

Essex Pedal Power is now also being rolled out in Greenstead in Colchester, Basildon and Harwich and Dovercourt in Tendring.

The project aims to bring bikes to some of the most deprived areas of the county. This provides affordable independent travel options, connecting people with opportunities, improving their health and offering more choice on how to travel.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “Essex Pedal Power is an excellent example of local collaboration delivering projects that empower the lives of local residents and encourages a safer, greener and healthier approach to travelling locally.

“The project in Clacton and Jaywick has been a huge success and I’m very pleased it has been recognised at the Highways Awards for the positive impact it’s had on sustainable transport in the area.”

For more information on Essex Pedal Power, please visit: www.activeessex.org/essex-pedal-power.