Southend commuters gearing up for Cycle to Work Day

Commuters across Southend-on-Sea are being encouraged to take to two wheels as part of national Cycle to Work Day on Thursday 3 September.

Cycle to Work Day aims to encourage people to take to two wheels and cycle to work for just one day. The event is supported by cycling groups including British Cycling, Sustrans, The London Cycling Campaign, Cyclescheme, the Bicycle Association and the CTC.

The number of people cycling to work regularly is growing, with an estimated 760,000 people in the UK currently doing so. Cycle to Work Day aims to increase those numbers to one million by 2021.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s sustainable transport team, Ideas in Motion, is urging participants to pledge their miles on the Cycle to Work Day website and send their stories and selfies of cycling to work on social media using the hashtag #CycleToWorkDay.

Prizes of afternoon tea for two at the annual Tweed and Vintage Fund Ride on 20 September are also being offered to local businesses so they can run prize draws and encourage their employees to cycle to work.

Free bike health checks are also available at The Comfy Saddle at Southend Central Station, and people who don’t have a bike can hire one for the day from either The Comfy Saddle or the Bike & Go scheme at Southend Victoria Station.

Councillor Martin Terry, executive councillor for public protection, waste and transport, said: “Cycling to work is good for your health, your wallet and the environment.

“Not only that, but it also helps to relieve traffic on our busy roads, particularly at peak times, meaning everyone gets where they need to be quicker.

“That’s why we want as many people and businesses as possible in the Borough to get their bikes on 3 September and share their stories and pictures with the Ideas in Motion Team. I also hope that local businesses get involved and encourage their staff to take part.”

7 August 2015