Southend-on-Sea City Council are delighted to announce the opening of 8 new digital cycle hubs across the City.
Funded through the Department for Transport's Active Travel Fund (Tranche 2), this scheme aims to improve the security and convenience of cycling for both residents and visitors.
The hubs provide secure bike storage and are equipped with charging points for e-bikes, they feature green roofs, promoting sustainability and supporting the city's climate resilience.
The introduction of these cycle hubs is a response to a six-week consultation held in 2021, where participants expressed that they would cycle more if they felt their bikes were less likely to be damaged or stolen.
Access to the cycle hubs is managed through a user-friendly app, ensuring that only registered users can gain entry. The app not only improves security but also makes the hubs easily accessible. Users can take advantage of a trial period, costing only £1 per month until Spring 2025, to experience the full benefits before committing to a regular subscription.
After the trial period cyclists can continue to enjoy the hubs for just £1 per day or £10 per month, granting unlimited access to all the cycle hubs in the city.
Cllr Paul Collins, cabinet member for finance, assets, and investments "I am pleased to introduce these new cycle hubs, which provide secure storage for bicycles and support our broader goals of promoting cycling.
"By encouraging more people to cycle, we aim to promote healthy, active lifestyles, reduce carbon emissions and offer good alternatives to the private car. The hubs will help make cycling a more attractive and convenient option for our residents."
Cllr Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, added: "These hubs are a positive step towards our commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. By providing secure bike storage and e-Bike charging points, we are encouraging more residents to choose cycling over driving, which will reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in our city.
"Additionally, the green roofs on these hubs look good and contribute to biodiversity, creating a greener, healthier Southend."