Free bike storage for employers

August 13, 2018 by Leigh-on-sea.com

Free bike storage is being offered to employers across south Essex in an effort to encourage more people to cycle to work. This is funded from the Department for Transport’s Access Fund, which we are pleased to be able to use to benefit our region.   The scheme is part of the South Essex Active Travel initiative (SEAT) – the three-year collaborative project between Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council that launched in April 2017.    SEAT brings councils and partners together in order to boost active travel, improving access to jobs, learning and skills across south Essex.   An example of the free storage on offer is a bike hangar, which provides secure, weatherproof storage for up to four bikes.  Worth more than £2,000 each, the hangars will be provided free of charge, with the employer paying just £300 to cover the cost of delivery and installation.  Before the installation of the hangar, employers will meet with someone from the team to arrange a cycling activity for their staff.      Cllr Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “Getting out in the fresh air and being active is at the heart of this scheme.  We want to encourage as many people as possible to consider cycling to work as it can have a very positive impact on their health and well-being, as well as help to cut congestion.    “Bike hangars are a great way for employers to provide cyclists with safe storage for their bikes.   “Any business or organisation that has staff – or indeed customers – who travel by bike, are welcome to apply for a hangar.”   Neil Blewitt, managing director of Cantel (UK) Limited, said: “Cantel are dedicated to improving our employee health and wellbeing initiatives and having a bike hangar installed on-site is a positive step in our plans. Thank you to South Essex Active Travel and ParkThatBike for this fantastic scheme - we look forward to putting it to good use”   Employers interested in taking up the offer of a free bike hangar can apply online by visiting www.parkthatbike.info/bikehangars or they can request an application form by phoning 01594 564 344.