Christmas has come early for 12 Harlow residents who have received free bikes as part of a community cycling initiative that encourages people in disadvantaged areas to lead an active lifestyle.
On Saturday 21 December, Essex Pedal Power Harlow, led by Rainbow Services in partnership with Harlow Council, Active Essex, and Harlow and Gilston Garden Town distributed its first batch of free bikes to residents.
The project currently has funding to giveaway over 200 new bikes to eligible Harlow residents so more people can experience the many benefits of cycling, such as improved physical and mental health, and access to training, employment and education opportunities.
Launched in 2021, Essex Pedal Power provides free bikes to residents living in the county’s most disadvantaged areas. Currently running in Basildon, Canvey Island, Clacton & Jaywick, Colchester and Harwich & Dovercourt, the inclusive programme aims to make cycling accessible for everyone.
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 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.”
Kelly Tarling, Project Lead, Rainbow Services (Harlow), said: “Rainbow Services is thrilled to welcome Essex Pedal Power to Harlow. Having witnessed the positive impact of this initiative in other parts of Essex, we are excited that Harlow residents will now benefit from it. These bikes will provide an opportunity for people to engage in physical activity they otherwise might not have been able to access. By supporting various community projects, we are enhancing the health and wellbeing of our residents, boosting both their physical and mental wellbeing through increased levels of activity.”
Danielle Warnes, Relationship Manager, Active Essex, said: “Essex Pedal Power Harlow is a fantastic example of how we can create healthier, more active communities by making cycling accessible to all. This initiative not only supports our Fit for the Future strategy by promoting physical and mental well-being, but also aligns with Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy to tackle inequalities and inspire active lifestyles. We have already seen the positive impact of this project in other areas like Colchester and Tendring, and we are excited to see the benefits it will bring to Harlow residents too.”
Councillor Dan Swords, Harlow Council Leader and Chair of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee, said: “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.”
Essex Pedal Power Harlow is part of the Sport England Place Partnership programme which is being delivered to encourage more residents to benefit from leading an active lifestyle. Funding for Essex Pedal Power Harlow is being provided by Sport England and Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.
