Essex Pedal Power Harlow Celebrates First Anniversary with Bike Handover Event

Essex Pedal Power in Harlow marked its first anniversary on Saturday by hosting a celebratory bike handover event at Rainbow Services in Wych Elm.

The event brought together a number of bike recipients and partners of the scheme to recognise a year of progress in helping people access cycling.

Bikes were formally handed over to a number of residents who had previously received them on loan, marking the next step in their cycling journeys. Attendees were also able to enjoy refreshments, while free bike servicing was available throughout the day.

Essex Pedal Power launched in Harlow in December 2024 and is delivered locally by Harlow charity Rainbow Services. The programme provides free bikes and cycling support to residents, helping them lead more active lives by removing financial and practical barriers to cycling.

The Harlow programme is made possible thanks to the support of local partners, including Active Essex, Essex Pedal Power, Harlow & Gilston Garden Town and Harlow Council.

Since launching in the town, Essex Pedal Power Harlow has successfully allocated 161 bikes to adults and children, supporting residents to access employment, education and community services, while also improving health and wellbeing.

One recipient shared on the day: “Receiving these bikes has made a huge difference to our family. They’ve helped us save money on transport, reduce travel time and stay active at a time when household costs are rising. Our son now cycles to and from school every day, which has made his journey quicker, safer and much more enjoyable. The bikes have also brought us closer as a family, giving us more opportunities to spend time together outdoors. We simply wouldn’t have been able to afford them ourselves, and we’re incredibly grateful.”

Alongside free, high-quality bikes, the programme offers helmets, locks, lights and pumps, as well as access to training, group rides, volunteering opportunities and ongoing support to help people build confidence and make the most of Harlow’s extensive cycle network.

Essex Pedal Power aims to make cycling a realistic, accessible and sustainable option for everyone by reducing the barriers that prevent people from owning a bike.

Harlow residents can find out more about Essex Pedal Power by visiting:

activeessex.org/essex-pedal-power/essex-pedal-power-harlow