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Essex Pedal Power in Harwich and Dovercourt will allow eligible residents in specific postcode areas, including Parkeston and Bathside Bay to apply for a new FREE quality bike to be used for a variety of purposes including cycling to work, school, shopping, and leisure. The scheme will distribute over 600 children’s and adult bikes in phases throughout 2023-2025. Free training will also be provided to learn how to ride a bike, gain confidence when cycling on roads, and bike maintenance.

The Essex Pedal Power Harwich and Dovercourt project will create new opportunities including bike ride leaders, bike mechanics, and new community cycling groups.

Essex Pedal Power in Harwich and Dovercourt is a partnership of the Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot, Sport England, Essex County Council, NHS Suffolk and North Essex, The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS), Tendring District Council, the London Marathon Foundation (LMF) and CVS Tendring.

 

Register your Interest

If you live in Harwich and Dovercourt and are interested in the Essex Pedal Power project, whether that be in applying for a bike, volunteer opportunities or bike training, please express your interest by completing the form below. The Essex Pedal Power team will keep your details on file and will be in touch in the near future. Please keep an eye on this page and Active Essex’s social media for future details on how to apply.

What are you interested in hearing about? (Please tick all that apply)(Required)
Your details will need to be shared with Essex Pedal Power's third party partners, The Active Wellbeing Society and Community Voluntary Services Tendring, as they will be running the project on the ground. Please tick to confirm you are happy for us to share your details.
(Required)

Please see map above for priority areas

What is Essex Pedal Power?

Essex Pedal Power is a community-based bike project which will allow residents in Harwich and Dovercourt to loan a new bike free of charge. The scheme will provide low cost, sustainable travel modes to key communities within Harwich and Dovercourt, increasing access to employment opportunities, higher and further education opportunities via access to the train station and key local services in nearby locations. The programme plans to distribute over 600 bikes which will have a significant impact on the activity levels of local people, improving participants health and wellbeing. Only 3% of people cycle regularly in Essex, although it is a popular form of travel and leisure.

How is the project being funded?

To enable Essex Pedal Power to expand into Harwich and Dovercourt, funding was initially secured from the Active Essex Local Delivery Pilot, ECC Levelling Up and NHS ICS (Suffolk and North East Essex).

How do I apply for an Essex Pedal Power bike?

Applications aren’t open just yet, however you can express your interest in Essex Pedal Power by completing the online form above. A member of the Essex Pedal Power team will get in touch when the application form goes live.

I don’t know how to ride a bike, or haven’t ridden a bike for a long time, is training available?

Yes, you do not need to know how to ride a bike to participate in the scheme. Training will be provided free of charge within the local community to those who do not know how to ride a bike or would like to build confidence in cycling on the road. More information on cycle training will be provided if your application is successful.

Will there be an opportunity to learn how to look after my bike?

Yes, there will be free bike maintenance sessions available where you learn how to inspect your bike, make any adjustments and fix any issues you may have.

If I receive a bike through Essex Pedal Power, what sort of bike will I receive?

Essex Pedal Power Harwich and Dovercourt will distribute 600 high quality, lightweight hybrid bikes supplied by Raleigh. These bikes are suitable for roads and cycle paths. A range of bikes will be available to suit different needs, and we are investigating the potential inclusion of e-bikes and cargo bikes later in the programme.

If I receive a bike will I need to buy anything else?

People who receive a bike will also receive a helmet, a gold standard D lock and a hand pump. Each bike will come with reflectors, bike lights and mud guards.

If my application is successful, how long can I keep the bike for?

The bike is initially loaned to participants for six months. If you are enjoying using the bike you will be able to keep the bike and equipment, for free.

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