In 2016, the Essex City Council released the Essex Cycling Strategy to encourage Essex residents, workers, and visitors to enjoy cycling’s various benefits, from saving transport costs to improving physical health and fitness.
To carry out its mission, the Essex City Council secured £7.3 million from Active Travel England, the government’s executive agency dedicated to making walking, wheeling, and cycling the accessible travel choice for everyone. The multi-million-pound investment will reportedly be used to deliver new walking and cycling schemes, ultimately giving residents more choice in their mode of travel.
A notable example of such schemes is the provision of free bikes to Harlow residents as part of a community cycling initiative. The project was run by Essex Pedal Power, which was launched in 2021 to provide free bikes as a low-cost and sustainable mode of travel to eligible residents in disadvantaged areas.
Meanwhile, if you already own a bike, there are various ways to get involved in the scheme, such as joining free cycling training classes and helping start a local cycling club in your area. However, regardless of how you wish to participate in the cycling programme, remember to prepare essential gear to enjoy cycling’s benefits and lead an active lifestyle. Below are accessories that will help ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience, whether or not it’s your first time getting on a bike.
Bike helmet
Headway, a brain injury association in the UK, emphasisesthat all cyclists, regardless of age or gender, must wear helmets on the road to improve road safety and prevent lifelong brain injuries. Studies show that cycle helmet use is significantly associated with a reduction in severe traumatic brain injury, serious head injury (70%), and fatal head injury (65%).
Oakley is known for its high-quality sporting gear, so choosing a bike helmet from the outdoor brand guarantees comfort and protection when on the road. Its signature helmet models, such as the Aro7 Road with an integrated Prizm lens, feature advanced ventilation, aerodynamic designs, and impact-absorbing technology to ensure your safety while cycling.
Sunglasses
In addition to the risk of head injuries, the sun’s ultraviolet rays also expose cyclists to major health concerns, such as eye strain and an increased risk of eye conditions like photokeratitis (sunburn of the eyes) and cataracts. Thus, sunglasses are an essential part of cycling gear to minimiseUV damage and maintain eye health.
Additionally, sunglasses can provide a clearer view of the road by reducing glare and protecting cyclists’ eyes from outdoor debris like dirt, dust, and wind. While Oakley also offers cycling sunglasses, such as the high-coverageEncoder frames, you can opt for affordable options like the Tifosi Rail, which provides a secure fit with its shield-like design. The model is also equipped with photochromiclenses that protect your eyes by automatically darkening within seconds of UV exposure from the sun.
Cycling jersey
Lastly, wearing a jersey designed for cycling is essential not only for a snug and comfortable fit but also for safety and performance. Cycling jerseys can help reduce wind resistance and regulate body temperature, thus supporting cycling activity even for long periods.
The cycling brand Alé is a viable option for cycling jerseys. The Italian brand is the official sponsor of the British Cycling national team, ensuring the clothing’s high-quality performance and craftsmanship. Its men’s and women’s jerseys use advanced fabrics to manage moisture and maintain breathability. They are also available in different styles, such as short-sleeved, long-sleeved, and sleeveless, to suit different weather conditions and preferences.
On top of wearing the items mentioned above, cycling around Essex must also involve obeying traffic rules and using signals for the safety of everyone on the road. Continue reading Essex Magazine for more relevant news and articles.
