We’ve been working in Essex since 2021 on Essex Pedal Power with partners including Active Essex and Essex County Council. The scheme gets bikes out to people who can use them and reduces cycling inequality. In total more than 3,700 bikes will be distributed. One of those to receive a bike was Kevin, here’s his story:
“I live in Harwich now, I received by bike in August 2021 when I was residing in Jaywick. For me the bike has given me access to transport and allowed me to be able to get to town and go shopping. Before the bike I was living below the poverty line and had several difficulties, the bike gave me access to transport that I wouldn’t have otherwise necessarily been able to access. I would have found myself walking everywhere with shopping bags as I wouldn’t have been able to afford regular bus fare.
I have lost 5 stone since using the bike and getting more active over the year. I loved riding the bike from the very first moment I got it. I now even ride from my new home in Harwich to Clacton which is around 18 miles. If you’ve got no car or no money you haven’t got the desire to go out all the time. The bike gives you enough get up and go to get out there once you are out and about on the bike you want to stay out there. I took too it like a duck to water.
The motivation was around my children and being able to get food and shopping for them and on my bike I was able to do that. I have also been involved in volunteering at Essex Pedal Power to make food for the people involved, I have helped great groups and it is good for me, a beacon of community lifestyle.”
