Green transport scheme launched in Southend

Date: 12/12/2012

A new green transport scheme aimed at getting more people riding bikes to work is being launched in Southend this week.

The Comfy Saddle will open at Southend Central train station on Friday December 14th, which is supported by the local council and a newly formed company called c2c.

Travellers will be offered help in finding the best bus routes to get to their destinations or a bike which fits their specifications.

Re-conditioned bikes will be on sale for budding cyclists, a team ready to service the bikes belonging to commuters and equipment and accessories will also be available.

Tony Cox, Southend Councillor Responsible for Transport, said: "It aims to assist new and existing cyclists, as well as advising on other forms of sustainable travel including walking, trains and buses, and helping people plan their journeys."

The new service is designed to help those who live and work locally, as well as visitors to the area, to travel around in a sustainable manner, according to Julian Dury, Managing Director at c2c.

He said: "At c2c we recognise the importance of playing a full role in the local community, and providing these premises rent-free is our contribution to making this social enterprise company a great success."

George Osborne recently announced an extra £42 million will go towards cycling infrastructure across the country in his Autumn Statement.

The form of transport is undergoing a resurgence, partly due to the success of the sport at the Olympic Games and also because the cost of fuel is causing more people to leave their cars at home. Add to this the fact that it is sustainable and it ticks a lot of the boxes.

More cities are implementing bike hire schemes like the so-called Boris bikes initiative in London, meaning that people do not have to purchase a bike themselves in order to ride to work or a local destination.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News