Safer, Greener, Healthier Cycling

Not only is cycling a brilliant way to stay fit and a cheap form of travel, it also makes us feel happier! That’s according to a survey by Bike is Best, the campaign run by the Cycling Marketing Board, who asked cyclists to choose four reasons why they ride their bike.

The results were:
- Make the planet healthier – 13%
- Keep fit – 27%
- Save money – 6%
- Feel happier – 54%

As part of the Safer Greener Healthier ambition, we are working on various projects to encourage everryone in Essex to get on their bikes – whether they’re cycling to school or work, cycling for pleasure or cycling to stay fit.

Debunking cycling myths (source: Bike is Best campaign)

Cycling is dangerous

Statistically, cycling is a safe activity and serious injuries are rare.

While more needs to be done to make streets more accommodating for bikes, most people find their confidence quickly.

You have to be fit to cycle

Cycling is a low impact activity and you take it at your own pace.

Bike lanes create more traffic

The boss of Cycling UK estimates one lane of a road can carry 2k cars per hour or 14k bikes.

You can’t carry stuff on a bike

With a few additions to your bike like a trailer, basket, racks or pannier bags, you can transport most things on your bike.

Cycle training

Bikeability for schools

From basic cycling skills to advanced journeys, we work with The Bikeability Trust offering cycle training for school children across Essex.

Tools to assist schools to promote the training can be found online.

Interested or want more information about Bikeability for schools? Please email cycletraining@essex.gov.uk

Cycle training for beginners - child

For any child who has never learned to ride a bike and hasn’t had the opportunity to learn at school, we offer up to a maximum of four training sessions which last 45 minutes each. The training is delivered by our team of fully qualified trainers in an off-road environment and costs from £15 per session.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young persons and adults at risk. Our aim is to ensure all who participate in cycle training have a safe, fun, positive experience and are able to fulfil their potential. Book now online.

Cycle training for adults - FREE

Whether you’ve never learned to cycle or need a bit of a confidence boost, we offer FREE adult cycling courses. These include our beginners Learn to Ride training (45 minute sessions, maximum of four), Confidence-building session (two hours in length, one session only) or Advanced session (a 1-to-1, two hours in length, one session only). All training is delivered by our qualified instructors. Book now online.

Holiday cycling courses

During the school holidays, we offer a variety of course across the county: 45-minute Learn to Ride sessions, Level 1, Level 1 and 2 Combined and Level 3 training. There is a non-refundable booking fee from £15. Costs and age groups vary so please check out available courses online.

More info and booking

Interested or want more information about cycle training in Essex? Please email cycletraining@essex.gov.uk

See how we’re making cycling one of our top priorities for our Safer Greener Healthier campaign.