A collaborative system approach for Essex Pedal Power
Partnership working to create active travel opportunities
Through partnership working between Harlow Council, Active Essex, Rainbow Services and Harlow Garden Gilston Town (HGGT), an accessible and transformative active travel initiative has been created in Harlow.
Essex Pedal Power is a free bike scheme that has been scaled and replicated into Harlow, taking vital learnings from across other areas in the county. The programme has been widely recognised to have a profound impact on mental health, encourages greater independence, community cohesion and in some cases, readiness to return to employment.
Active Essex have played a pivotal role in creating the conditions for success by facilitating system-wide collaboration between partners, aligned the project to Sport England’s Place Partnership priorities and supported resource mobilisation for long-term sustainability.
Participant Case Study
Relocating to the UK from Saudi Arabia with his wife (MJ) and young child in January 2024, was a challenge for ZA and his family. Both himself and his wife were feeling isolated, struggling with their mental health and at risk of developing diabetes. Receiving bikes for the whole family through Essex Pedal Power has ensured they utilise time together, get outdoors and are moving more. ZA is now cycling to work and his wife, who had never ridden a bike before, is now utilising it for the school run and considering employment opportunities as she can now travel around. Speaking to MJ she said: “Cycling has boosted my confidence, improved my mental health and is helping me to rediscover my identify.” ZA added: “For our family, the bike hasn’t just been a means of transport, it has been a turning point. It has helped improve our physical and mental wellbeing, created new memories and restored confidence and independence.”
With Rainbow Services deeply rooted in the local voluntary sector and community network, they took the responsibility as project lead to ensure strong resident and wider partner engagement. As a result, the Downs Primary and co-located facilities in the Harvey Centre, made use of creative spaces to foster inclusive conditions for active travel and community wellbeing.
Many recipients disclosed health conditions on their application form, and partners were therefore able to ensure participants received appropriate follow-up support. This included invitations to Rainbow Services specialist groups such as Singing for Lung Health, Diabetes Support and Adult Neurodiversity Support.
As a result of the collaboration with multiple partners on this project, it is starting to positively contribute to HGGT’s modal shift, the local and county health targets, and contribution to resident’s lifestyle. As well as the Sport England Place Partnership funding, a further £75,000 has been received from HGGT and £230,000 in-kind contribution from Harlow Council – a testament to the impact this programme is having.
Key learnings
It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future.
Community buy-in
Locally trusted organisations have an important role in ensuring community endorsement.
Creative spaces
Utilising underutilised spaces has overcome venue constraints and created engaging spaces.
Balancing logistics
Ensuring space for bike assembly, storage and event delivery has been a programme challenge.
High demand
Demand for bikes has been greater than the committed funding which has been difficult.
Essex Pedal Power has strengthened cross-sector partnerships, spanning health, transport, education and voluntary organisations, showing the impact this approach is having on the community. It’s great that Active Essex has now also been recognised as a key strategic partner in shaping Harlow’s LCWIP refresh.Danielle Warnes, Active Essex Relationship Manager for West Essex
Although still a relatively new project, with sustained investment they hope to continue scaling the initiative, integrating active travel further into broader health and wellbeing strategies.
More recently, a partnership with Harlow College students, is beginning to introduce a focus on employability and practical experience, through training and skills development which will enhance the free-bike scheme further.
The 21 Bikeability workshops have supported community engagement further than just Essex Pedal Power recipients, and further training opportunities are scheduled for the future.
