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:
- Safe bike parking stands reduce the risk of theft or damage so can help encourage employees, visitors or customers to cycle as they know their bike will be secure.
- Good quality bike parking shows that your business or organisation is doing its bit to encourage cycling.
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.
Here you will find some cycling groups local to the south Essex area. Whether you want to get fit or have fun, there’s something for everyone. Just click on the name to take you to their event page or website.
Cycle Essex
Cycle Southend
Forty Plus Cycling Club
Gateway Cycling Thurrock
Just Ride Southend
Southend Wheelers
This Girl Can Essex
Yellow Jersey Cycles Billericay
Below are other websites and apps that offer local rides organised by people like you. These sites have great filters such as tracking your ride and accessibility features.
Lets Ride.co.uk
Strava App
If you know of a great cycle group that you think should be included, get in touch.