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.
To book your place for either individual or group training call
01702 215595 / 01702 215338
or you can email hello@forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk to book your place.
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 or works 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.
Join us for active travel excitement and oodles of fun and games at the first ForwardMotion roadshow of the year! They will be in Billericay Town Centre on Thursday 11 April, from 9am to 5pm. Rollapaluza, Dr Bike, First Bus and Greater Anglia are just a few of the guests who’ll be with us. You […]
This cycle ride starts and finishes in Thameside Nature Park, setting off at 1pm. There are lots of diverse habitats for you to discover, including coastal mudflats and saltmarsh, grassland, new and ancient woodlands and a lake. After completing the ride, head to the café at the Thameside Nature Park Visitor Centre for some light […]
Join us for some leisurely bike rides with our accredited instructors Jill and Jennie. The rides are suitable for most abilities and include a stop for a coffee! There’s no need to book, just bring your bike and wear comfortable clothes. We will meet near the reception of Basildon Sporting Village at 1pm. The rides […]
On Thursday 18 April, ForwardMotion will be in Corringham Town Centre for another active travel roadshow. ForwardMotion will be joined again by Rollapaluza, as well as Ensign bus company, Bikeworks, and more guests to be announced soon! There will also be static bike racing, free bike maintenance checks, personal travel plans, and more. You could […]
Join the Hadleigh Park Riders at 10am on Thursday mornings for a bike ride. The riders meet at The Hub before setting off for the hour-long ride. Afterwards, they enjoy coffee and cake at the Hub café. If you would like to join this ride but would like some support, accredited instructors Lisa and Chris […]
ForwardMotion will be in Canvey Island on Friday 26 April for another roadshow. You’ll be able to find the team outside Knightswick Shopping Centre, providing active travel advice. Guests and activities to be announced soon – check the ForwardMotion Facebook page to stay updated!
ForwardMotion will be at the new Cycle Hub in Tilbury on Friday 10 May for the final spring 2019 roadshow! Find them outside the Cycle Hub in Calcutta Way, Tilbury, providing active travel advice. Guests and activities to be announced soon – check our Facebook page to stay updated!
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.
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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