Colchester to be transformed for walking and cycling game

Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets of Colchester this autumn as the town is transformed into a giant walking and cycling game.

Running from 20 September to 8 November, the ‘Beat the Street’ initiative rewards local residents with points and prizes for exploring the town on foot or by bicycle.

Beat the Street, being delivered on behalf of Colchester Borough Council and Livewell Colchester, aims to encourage thousands of people to explore the town – in turn promoting active travel.

More than 100 beeping and flashing sensors – called ‘Beat Boxes’ – will appear across the town. Players are encouraged to pick up a Beat the Street card from one of a number of locations and then swipe as many Beat Boxes as possible.

Schools across Colchester will be competing against each other to win sports and fitness equipment. Adult players will also be able to create their own teams to be in with a chance to win a number of prizes which will be announced in the run up to the event.

Cllr Tina Bourne, Colchester Borough Council, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Colchester and can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, cycle and scoot during the seven-week challenge.

“Anyone can get involved – it’s completely free to play and a great opportunity to go outdoors, spend time with your friends and family and get moving. Watch out for Beat Boxes appearing on a street near you!”

To find out more about the initiative, visit the Beat the Street Colchester website, follow @BTSColchester on Twitter, or like ‘Beat the Street Colchester’ on Facebook.

04 September 2017