Launched in 2024, with funding from the London Marathon Foundation following the return of Ford RideLondon-Essex, 200 bikes were allocated to eligible Year 6 and Year 7 pupils from eigh primary schools and two secondary schools on Canvey. Each child receives a helmet, lock, lights, pump, hi-vis jacket and a cyclometer, upon collecting their bike, as well as training to Bikeability Level 2.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- Receiving free school meals
- Attending a school on Canvey Island
- Being in Year 6 or 7
- Not owning a bike or only having access to a bike in poor working condition
Delivered by the Castle Point and Rochford School Sport Partnership, over 100 bikes have been distributed to school children so far, which is making a huge impact on their activity levels and being able to travel actively to school.
The plan up until 2028 is to provide a further 250 bikes with new funding from Sport England as part of their Place Partnership programme, expanding Essex Pedal Power to reception year children and the parents of children receiving a bike. Essex Pedal Power is also working with the Canvey Island Pride in Place regeneration programme, advising on improving cycling routes and infrastructure on the island.
