Originally launched in 2021 and overseen by Essex County Council, Pedal Power has been providing free bikes for residents living in Basildon, Canvey Island, Clacton & Jaywick, Colchester and Harwich & Dovercourt.
And December 2024 saw Harlow added to that list with both Harlow & Gilston Garden Town and Harlow Council helping to fund the scheme alongside Sport England.
With a focus on helping people get active and better connected to their community, the Harlow programme is delivered locally by Rainbow Services.
In this blog for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town, Rainbow Services’ Rachel Tennison shares the impact Pedal Power is having on residents of all ages.
We’ve now given away over 180 bikes since launching in December 2024 and that includes both adult and children’s bikes, it’s quite the milestone in our first 18 months serving Harlow.
For those who aren’t familiar, Pedal Power is a scheme where we loan a bike to an individual for a year, completely free of charge.
It depends on the stock we have available, but we carefully match people with the right bike for their needs.
And during that first year, we take responsibility for servicing, repairs and any breakdowns.
Where we can’t fix something straight away, we’ve gone back afterwards to make sure people aren’t left stuck. That ongoing support is a really important part of what we do.
If the bike has been used regularly and is clearly making a difference to their day-to-day life, that person gets to keep it permanently.
Since our initial launch, around 35 people have now had their bikes serviced and formally handed over to them, marking their transition from loan to ownership which is just fantastic to see.
And that’s where the real impact starts.
For some people, it means getting to work more easily.
Maybe they already have a job, but now they can travel in an environmentally friendly way without worrying about parking or fuel.
For others, it’s even more significant.
Some people haven’t been able to work because public transport doesn’t run at the right times or simply isn’t affordable.
Having a bike can be an absolute godsend but it does go beyond employment as well.
A bike can help people access education, healthcare, food banks and shops, all those everyday essentials that many of us take for granted.
Some people have seen the physical benefits of cycling regularly and we’ve had individuals tell us they’ve lowered their cholesterol or lost a stone in weight.
But what surprises them most is the impact on their mental wellbeing.
Even for those without existing mental health concerns, getting out on a bike, being in nature, and having space to clear their head makes a huge difference.
It’s that chance to step away from screens and daily pressures.
We’ve also seen children grow in confidence.
They’re spending more time outdoors, socialising with friends, rather than sitting online.
That connection, with others and with their environment, is incredibly powerful.
People are generally surprised at just how much simply moving, whether walking or cycling, can change how they feel.
And in Harlow, we’re lucky to have such a strong network of green spaces and cycle routes.
Riding through Town Park, for example, really adds to that sense of wellbeing.
Another key part of Pedal Power is helping people feel confident riding. We connect people with group rides through local organisations, so no one has to feel like they’re doing it alone.
There are options for beginners through to more experienced cyclists, so there’s something for everyone.
When we allocate bikes, we also assess whether someone can ride already.
And if they can’t, we book them onto a Bikeability session on the day.
We’ve taught both adults and children to ride, and it’s genuinely one of the most rewarding parts of the programme.
Seeing someone go from “I never thought I could do this” to confidently riding a bike is incredible.
It’s not as difficult as people think, and we support them every step of the way.
We also offer basic maintenance workshops, simple things like fixing a puncture, adjusting brakes or greasing gears.
It’s about giving people the confidence to keep going, so their cycling journey is as smooth as possible.
In terms of eligibility, the scheme is very simple and the only requirement is that you’re a permanent resident of Harlow.
We don’t take financial information, the priority for Pedal Power is need, that might be related to health, work, education or general wellbeing.
There’s no complicated process and if someone needs help completing the form, we’re there to support them.
We do try to support whole families where we can.
If children receive bikes, we always look at whether we can provide a bike for an adult too, because younger children can’t realistically go out riding on their own.
That said, we’re limited by supply.
At the moment, we have more children’s bikes than adult bikes, so our next giveaway will focus on children.
Longer term, we aim to ensure families can cycle together.
Funding is obviously one of our biggest challenges.
At our current level, we receive around 30 bikes a year but our waiting list is just under 200 people, and two thirds of those are adults.
That demand tells its own story about how valuable the scheme is.
The feedback we get is overwhelmingly positive.
People talk about improvements to their health, their ability to get to work, and their overall quality of life.
It’s rarely just one benefit, but a combination of many.
There’s also a growing awareness of the environmental impact and people feel good knowing they’re using their bike instead of a car.
Families are spending more time together, talking, experiencing things at a slower pace.
It’s very different from being in a car, where everyone is often disconnected.
Partnership working has been key to all of this.
Through Bikeability, we’re supporting people to build skills and confidence, particularly young people learning to ride safely in a busy environment.
And through Rainbow Services, we can link people into other support, whether that’s health programmes, community groups or volunteering opportunities.
That wider network is what really makes Pedal Power work.
But it’s not just about giving someone a bike.
Pedal Power gives people access to opportunities, support, and a stronger connection to their community.
The impact really does go far beyond what most people expect from the project.
