ForwardMotion is an initiative funded by Active Travel England to encourage people to think differently about the way they travel around Southend, instead of jumping in the car for every journey.
ForwardMotion's goal is to reduce the reliance on car travel and encourage people to consider alternative ways of travelling, to improve mental and physical wellbeing, and reduce emissions across Southend and South Essex.
ForwardMotion is the evolution of a previous active travel campaign, Ideas in Motion. Ideas in Motion started in 2011 as a Department for Transport funded initiative aimed at encouraging residents in Southend-on-Sea to travel by foot, bike, bus or train for short journeys.
ForwardMotion can help residents become more active in their journeys by providing initiatives such as cycle training, bike checks, security marking and active travel advice.
ForwardMotion is also the Bikeability provider for Southend, training over 2,000 pupils each year.
Southend-on-Sea is a great place to cycle; for work, for school, for shopping or just for fun.
We can all be bike friendly by looking out for cyclists and giving them space on the road. When cycling, we need to be alert to the needs of other road users, whether they are cyclists, motorists or pedestrians.
The old idea that people are bike users, car users or walkers is an oversimplification. Most of us use the car sometimes, the bus at other times, and an increasing number of people are finding that cycling is a good choice too.
This is the philosophy behind Southend's many shared paths for bikes and pedestrians. Popular examples include City Beach and the seafront, Victoria Gateway, Royal Artillery Way and the Prittlebrook Greenway.
Shared paths work best when cyclists are courteous and patient with pedestrians, and when pedestrians keep an eye out for cyclists. Shared paths are not the place for fitness training or record-breaking activities.
ForwardMotion is here to help you get on your bike.
Whether you want lessons on learning to ride, help getting back in the saddle, or fun themed guided rides, ForwardMotion can help.
Adult and Family Cycle Training sessions are available for people who want to update their cycling skills or feel more confident on the roads. These sessions are useful for making the move from riding around the park to using local cycle paths and roads for everyday journeys.
If riding a bike is new to you, you can start with learn-to-ride sessions. Cycle Training sessions are specially designed for adults, children, or families.
The sessions are free, and if required, a bike and helmet can be loaned for the training session.
For more details, contact ForwardMotion: forwardmotion@southend.gov.uk
There are 9 railway stations in Southend-on-Sea, and every household is within walking distance of at least one.
If you do not want to walk to the station, you can take the bus. A PLUSBUS ticket can save money on journeys involving both train and bus.
More train information can be found at: National Rail
Walking is free, easy and convenient.
You never have to find a place to park because your feet are always ready when you are. Walking does not take as long as many people think, and you can often take shortcuts through parks, along the seafront and through pedestrian areas.
Walking to the train station or bus stop can be an enjoyable part of your journey, giving you the chance to get fresh air and enjoy your surroundings.
Why not consider joining a local walking group? More information can be found on the ForwardMotion website.
If you plan to make several journeys by bus on different routes, check the bus operators' websites for Saver Ticket information.
Weekly, four-weekly and yearly bus tickets are available and can save money.
If you are planning a bus journey, visit: Travel Essex
You can find information on which bus stop, bus number and bus company you need.
ForwardMotion manages several secure cycle parking facilities around the city.
Secure station parking is located at Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell, Southend East and Shoeburyness stations. There is an affordable yearly cost to access these facilities, charged April to March and pro rata depending on the month rental begins.
Secure cycle parking shelters, powered by Bikeep, are located at Southend High Street, Shoebury East Beach, Shoebury Common, Southend Pier, Chalkwell Esplanade, Chalkwell Park, Priory Park and Belfairs Sports Ground.
Most locations include power sockets for e-bike charging. Access to these cycle shelters is via the Bikeep app at a low monthly access cost.
Download the Bikeep App from the Apple or Android app stores.
For more information on access to these cycle parking facilities and latest rental prices, email: forwardmotion@southend.gov.uk
There are over 3,000 parking spaces across the city.
It is easy to grab the car keys for a trip into town, but it is often quicker to walk, cycle, or get the bus or train.
The map includes a measuring tool that tells you how long your journey would take by foot or by bike. In the time it takes to start the car and find somewhere to park, you could have reached your destination and had some fresh air in the process.
Wear bright clothing to stay noticed on the walk to school.
Safety is always a concern when walking to school with children. One way to make the walk safer and more fun is to encourage children to wear bright clothing so they can be clearly seen by passing traffic, cyclists, and other path users.
This does not have to mean high-visibility jackets. Bright accessories, coats, scarves, hats, caps and t-shirts can all help.
Make it a challenge with younger children and see who can be the brightest.
Walking can also support concentration. The document states that children who walk to school have better concentration levels than those who travel by car, and that regular exercise can support learning.
More Road Safety information is available at: Safer Essex Roads