Southend-on-Sea City Council is delighted to announce the opening of eight new digital cycle hubs across the city, enhancing security and convenience for cyclists.
A Step Forward for Active Travel
Funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund (Tranche 2), these hubs aim to encourage more residents and visitors to cycle by providing secure bike storage with integrated e-bike charging points. Each hub also features a green roof, promoting sustainability and supporting the city’s climate resilience efforts.
Designed with Cyclists in Mind
The introduction of these hubs follows a six-week consultation in 2021, where residents highlighted that concerns over bike theft and damage discouraged them from cycling.
To address these concerns, access to the hubs is managed through a secure app, allowing only registered users to enter. The app ensures both convenience and peace of mind for cyclists.
Affordable Access for Cyclists
Cyclists can try out the hubs for just £1 per month until Spring 2025, giving them the opportunity to experience the benefits before committing to a full subscription.
After the trial period, pricing will be:
✔️ £1 per day
✔️ £10 per month (unlimited access to all cycle hubs in the city)
Council Leaders Welcome the Initiative
Cllr Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets, and Investments, said:
“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.”