A dozen Harlow residents have received free bikes as part of a community cycling initiative that encourages people in disadvantaged areas to lead an active lifestyle.
The Essex Pedal Power project in Harlow, funded by Sport England with a top up from Harlow & Gilston Garden Town, will see 200 bikes given away in total to eligible residents, allowing more people to experience the many benefits of cycling, improved physical and mental health plus access to training, employment and education opportunities.
Originally launched in 2021, Essex Pedal Power provides free bikes to residents living in the county’s most disadvantaged areas with schemes currently running in Basildon, Canvey Island, Clacton & Jaywick, Colchester and Harwich & Dovercourt.
The project is being led locally by Rainbow Services in partnership with Harlow Council, Active Essex and Harlow & Gilston Garden Town and Harlow residents can make an application for a free new bike by visiting: www.activeessex.org/essex-pedal-power/essex-pedal-power-harlow/
Welcoming the new initiative, which saw Chris Vince MP in attendance, Councillor Danielle Brown, portfolio holder for Community and Wellbeing, said: “This is an exciting time for Harlow residents who can now benefit from a great initiative that has already provided around 4,000 new bikes to residents in Essex.
“We recognise that cost and time can prevent our residents from being more active, which is why this project is so important as it gives people the opportunity to access cycling and benefit from living a healthier lifestyle.
“The combination of fresh air, being outdoors and cycling can elevate mood, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring this initiative to life.”
Councillor Dan Swords, Harlow Council Leader and Chair of the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee, added:
“We are proud to announce the provision of additional funds to bolster the initial Sport England funding allocated to Essex Pedal Power.
“The decision to extend our support and provide more free bikes was straightforward, given the initiative’s remarkable success across the county.
“This endeavour perfectly aligns with our goal to offer both new and existing residents a broader range of sustainable and active travel options, facilitating healthy, affordable, and reliable mobility throughout our town.
“Harlow boasts an extensive cycle path network, currently undergoing significant transformation.
“Essex Pedal Power is a fantastic initiative that breathes new life into Harlow’s rich cycle network, encouraging more residents to embrace cycling.”
