Cycling isn’t just for lycra-clad fans of the Tour de France, it’s a quick and easy way to travel that’s faster than walking and better for you than taking the car. It’s also a great way for you to take control. Once you know how long it takes to cycle somewhere, there’s little chance of your journey taking longer than you planned.
There is a diverse range of cycle routes in south Essex. Many can help you get to work, training or education in a more healthy and sustainable way, while others provide the chance to challenge yourself on off-road routes or see the sights from a different perspective.
See the useful links below or visit our Resources page to help you plan your journey.
Have a look at our Events page for fun cycling events, community group bike rides and cycling courses in south Essex.
Learn how to navigate the roads with free, one-to-one cycle training with a qualified instructor, tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’ve never been on a bike before or just want to boost your confidence, Bespoke can help you achieve your cycling goals.
Tailormade adult cycling groups in south Essex can also be arranged, with support offered for your first four rides. We can check your bike, work on control skills and show you some nice routes.
For more information, call 01702 215595 / 01702 215338 or email hello@forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk.
To book your place for either individual or group training please fill out the form below.
There are a number of places to park your bike in south Essex, such as the secure cycle parking found at Rayleigh, Billericay, Laindon, Benfleet and Pitsea train stations.
To keep your bike secure, you need a good lock. Sold Secure (an affiliate of Master Locksmiths Association) provides a useful rating system – Bronze, Silver and Gold – that is based on how long it takes to break the lock. You can use the site to search for and compare locks.
It is worth considering how much you are prepared to spend on a bike lock. It is often said that people should spend 10% of the cost of their bike on the lock, but one lock can often be insufficient for preventing theft. Either two U locks or one U lock with an extender cable is recommended.
Free bike parking stands are available for businesses or organisations with staff or members who cycle. Up to four cycle stands can be applied for, free of charge, with different types to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
Benefits include:
To receive these benefits, your business or organisation must be based in Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend or Thurrock and have staff, visitors or customers who travel there by bike. To request an application form or to find out more, visit www.parkthatbike.info or call 01594 564 344.
The bike loan scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 who lives in south Essex. If you are a jobseeker, newly recruited employee, apprentice or student you can hire a bike from as little as £10 a month.
If you’re keen to give cycling a go, visit www.forwardmotionbikeloan.com to choose from a variety of bikes and e-bikes. You can decide how long you want to loan the bike for, from one to six months. If you can’t bear to part from your bike after six months, you can buy it at a discounted price.
Dr Bike is a bike maintenance service being provided by Bikeworks on behalf of ForwardMotion. The Dr Bike team are experienced bike mechanics who check everything on your bike, including wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure. They can also perform minor repairs, and recommend any further repairs that your bike might need.
Dr Bike can also tag bikes for free. This is a great way to reduce the risk of your bike being stolen, and makes it possible to identify stolen bikes.
You can book a Dr Bike session, where two qualified mechanics will visit your workplace or event to fix your employees’ bikes. The sessions can last for a half day or a full day, depending on how many employees cycle to work. Timings can be flexible to suit you.
Talk to your employer about arranging a Dr Bike session. If enough of your colleagues cycle to work, they may be supportive of Dr Bike holding a free bike check workshop.
If you are interested in booking a session for your workplace, email Natalie White on natalie.white@bikeworks.org.uk.
If you would like to attend a Dr Bike session, keep an eye on our ‘Events’ page for information about future events they will be at.
Come and visit Bikeworks at Leigh Library Gardens! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks and […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at Temple Farm (Stock Road)! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at Intu Lakeside! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks in Car Park 4 and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at Southend Civic Centre! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks and […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at Leigh On Sea! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks and […]
Celebrate Bike Week with ForwardMotion on the Barge Gladys Ride. This leisurely bike ride takes place on Thursday 13 June, meeting at Leigh Railway Station ready to start the ride at 7.15pm. We hope you can join us, if you have any questions email hello@forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk or call 01702 212088.
Come and visit Bikeworks at Rayleigh! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks and the great […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at Laindon! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks and the great […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at Billericay! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on Bikeworks and the great […]
This event is hosted by Oh My Gosh, and this is their 3rd annual Extreme Challenge since being founded in 2016. This year they present; Le Tour De Gosh 2019! They will be cycling 90 miles across Southend Seafront, lapping from Chalkwell to Shoeburyness, aiming to raise £30,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital. […]
Come and visit Bikeworks at The Orsett Show in Thurrock! Bikeworks will be performing bike checks and even some basic repairs to keep your trusty cycle in tip-top condition. So pop along to this workshop and benefit from an easier ride and a better commute – all for free! For more information on […]
Southend’s annual Tweed Ride is taking place on Sunday 15 September. You are welcome to come along dressed in your best tweed and vintage outfits. Vintage and retro bicycles are welcome too! The ride will begin at 2pm from Belfairs Woodland Centre, cycling to Southchurch Park where we will arrive around 3.15pm. This unique bike […]
Road disruptions planned across south Essex
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