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 Cycle to Work Day team says the number of people cycling to work regularly is growing, with an estimated 760,000 people in the UK currently doing so. The campaign aims to increase this 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 are being offered to local businesses to help them encourage their employees to cycle to work, and free bike health checks and competitively priced bike hire are also available.
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.”
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