Essex residents take to two wheels at 42 cycling courses over summer
Over 40 cycling courses successfully delivered across the school summer holidays.
The Sustainable Transport Team at Essex County Council has successfully delivered 42 cycle courses across the county this summer holidays.
Over 200 participants of various ages took part in courses in Colchester, Chelmsford, Harlow and Uttlesford.
Courses ranged from a Learn to Ride course, aimed at transforming non-riders into confident cyclists, to Bikeability Level 1, which focuses on bike maintenance, control and foundation skills.
For the more experienced cyclists, Bikeability Level 2 and 3 courses helped participants navigate complex road scenarios with traffic lights, multiple lanes and dedicated cycle paths.
Feedback on the courses has been positive. Councillor Neil Reeve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change at Uttlesford District Council, joined a led cycle ride from Saffron Walden Market Square.
He said: “The main takeaway for me was that, now I know better how to ride safely on public roads, I am much more confident in encouraging more people to use their bikes.”
One parent also praised the instructors of the course which she took part in with her daughter. She said: “Lisa and Gavin were so knowledgeable and have given my daughter Lucy such confidence to try new approaches. I’ve been filled with useful tips.”
Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: "It's fantastic to hear about the success of our Safer, Greener, Healthier cycling courses this summer.
"The positive feedback speaks volumes about the impact these courses have had and will help us with our ambition to encourage residents to walk or cycle, especially for short journeys, rather than automatically jump into their cars.
“It’s worth remembering that these courses are open not just to children but to adults as well. We’ll be continuing with our free adult cycling training for the foreseeable future, and I would encourage as many of our residents as possible to get in touch and sign up.”
For further information about the cycling courses, visit Safer, Greener, Healthier cycling.