With Stage 6 of the Men’s Tour of Britain cycling race finishing in Harlow today, Garden Town partners Essex County Council have announced that they successfully delivered 42 cycle courses across the local area this summer.
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.
The courses followed on from the news earlier this year that saw Essex County Council announce two new walking and cycling routes for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town as part of their £5m Active Travel Fund award from Government.
Funding will finance the construction of a dedicated route for cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-car users from Elizabeth Way to Fifth Avenue and the design of a walking and cycling path connecting Post Office Road to Sheering Road.
Feedback on the cycling courses has been positive and Councillor Neil Reeve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change at Uttlesford District Council, joined an expert 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.”
Click here for further information about the cycling courses and how you can sign up.
