COUNCILLORS today (Tuesday) put their backing behind a long-term cycling plan for Essex.

The Essex Cycling Strategy aims to encourage Essex residents, workers and visitors to embrace the health benefits of cycling.

It comes after Essex played host to some of the world’s top international cycling events, such as the Tour de France, Women’s Tour and London 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking, in recent years.

Today (Tuesday) Essex County Council’s Cabinet signed off and officially adopted the new cycling strategy which will enable, provide and promote the benefits of cycling across the county and help to relieve areas of congestion and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

The strategy aims to encourage more leisure and family bike rides to enjoy the Essex countryside.

IT will also help pull together individual cycling projects across the county whilst supporting funding bids to national organisations and Government.

Cllr Eddie Johnson, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are investing in cycling through a number of avenues to get people on their bikes.

“Cycling is a cheap and easy way to get from A to B whilst enjoying some of the beautiful scenery Essex has to offer.

“This long-term strategy will help focus our efforts for years to come to improve infrastructure for riders across the county.”

The Essex Cycling Strategy has been shaped by views from more than 600 people who took part in a consultation between September and October last year (2015).

Cllr Ray Gooding, Cycling Champion for Essex County Council, said: “The Essex Cycling Strategy will build on the excitement and enthusiasm Essex has shown while playing host to recent international cycling events such as the Olympic Mountain Biking, Women’s Tour and Tour de France.

“We want to ensure that everyone understands and enjoys the benefits riding a bike brings. Not only are you using a more sustainable transport choice and preventing congestion, but you are improving your health and wellbeing at the same time.”