Get started
Here you’ll find a treasure trove of essential advice, top tips and guidance on how to get the most out of walking and cycling.
Whether you’re looking for a more scenic cycling route, or an excuse to get out, there’s something for everyone here. We’ve pulled together all the maps, apps and travel hacks you need to make it easy and enjoyable to:
Stop making car journeys to work, the shops, school or college
Swap to more active and sustainable travel options
GO! and make the most of your day – and feel great!
Get started with walking and cycling in Essex
Latest news and advice for getting around in Essex and reporting issues
Visit Essex Highways for the latest news, tips and guidance on getting around in Essex. A great place to start.
Report any issues about Public Rights of way, damaged or uneven pavements, cycle paths or kerbs.
Be Safer, Greener, Healthier
Essex County Council and Essex Highways are working hard to make our communities safer, greener and healthier. From additional cycle lanes and pedestrianised zones to reduced speed limits and parking, they’ve introduced loads of measures to help you social distance. See what’s coming to your town on the Essex Highways website.
Essex cycle maps and route guides
If you’re taking a car trip of under 5km, it’s easy to switch to cycling or walking.
Check out these free maps and route guides from Essex Highways, wherever you are in Essex.
Discover great places to visit in Essex
Check out picturesque walking routes and fun cycling routes on the Visit Essex website, as well as up-to-date tourist information on great places to visit near you.
Explore green spaces on your doorstep and beyond
A great website to inspire you to get active with the whole family at the Essex County Council run Country Parks. Find out more about these brilliant green spaces on your doorstep and beyond, explore them all on the Explore Essex website.
Get two-wheeled tips and inspiration from people in Essex
Love to Ride Essex is a brilliant community for two-wheeled tips and inspirational cycling stories.
Safety information for all road users
Find general safety information for all road users on the Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.
Free adult and family cycle training
Need a confidence boost to get back in the saddle or take to two wheels for the first time? Free cycle training from the Safer Essex Roads Partnership will have you moving in no time.
Chelmsford is changing!
The Chelmsford City Growth Package is all about improving walking and cycling infrastructure in the city. Learn more about upcoming features and when you can start using them on the Essex Highways website.
Cycling and walking guidance for South Essex
Just like us, Forward Motion wants people to switch from driving to cycling or walking instead. Their website is full of travel tips and guidance for doing just that.
More cycling and walking resources
Try mindful movement
How do you get better at walking? By combining it with yoga and Pilates! Simply Stride runs online classes to help you get moving and be more mindful.
Walk along the Essex coastline
Essex County Council has worked with the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership to devise walking routes around the Essex coastline. These new routes provide direct access to the coast from train stations and encourage people to travel more sustainably to enjoy the Essex Coast.
Google maps
Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google. It offers satellite imagery, street maps, interactive views of streets, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by foot, bicycle and public transportation.
Moovit journey planning app
Moovit is one app for all your urban mobility and transport rides from walking, cycling and using the bus. Plan your journey and get route tips.
What3Words app
Try the What3Words app. It's an app that helps you easily and accurately describe your location. It's important to let people know exactly where you are when out walking and cycling in case of emergency. For more information visit the about What3Words site.
Share walks with your friends
Want to discover great walks near you and create your own to share with friends? Then Go Jauntly is the app for you.
Want free cake for cycling?
Join the Cake Escape, ride to its scenic cafes, collect stamps, and that free cake is all yours. Yes, really. Sign us up!
Protect your bike from theft
Deter thieves and visit BikeRegister to log your bike on their database for free. You'll also receive a security marking kit and warning labels. Police forces across the country are linked to the register so you’re also more likely to get your bike back if it gets swiped – awesome!
Advice on walking to school and work
Living Streets is the national charity for everyday walking. The website offers lots of advice to help you walk to school and work.
Tips for getting started with walking and cycling
Sustrans is a UK charity making it easier for everyone to walk and cycle. They create new routes all the time and offer tips on everything from buying a bike to planning your ride. Be sure to check out their searchable network of safe, sustainable cycle routes.
Changing lives through cycling
Cycling UK is a charity which aims to change lives and communities through cycling. Sounds good to us. The website’s full of advice, events and routes for all levels of experience. Let’s get rolling.
Essex Pedal Power initiative
Essex Pedal Power is a community-based project which is being piloted in the Clacton and Jaywick area. The aim is to make cycling more accessible for the local people. Check if you are eligible, apply here.
Guidance for businesses and employees
Travel plans for Essex
Essex County Council has big plans for the future of business and personal travel. Check out the Sustainable Modes of Travel Plan and get advice to create a travel plan for your business on the Essex County Council website.
Join the Colchester Travel Plan Club
The Colchester Travel Plan Club is a network of businesses and organisations committed to promoting active and sustainable travel for employees. Learn more and join up for free on the Colchester Travel Plan Club website.
Accessible travel resources
Transport concessions for disabled people
Age UK offer information on discounts available to disabled people for public transport.
Accessibility in the countryside
You can find many countryside locations in Essex for a day out on Accessible Countryside. The website provides helpful information for locations that are accessible to wheelchair users, mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies.
Removing barriers to cycling
Wheels for Wellbeing is a registered charity who aim to show that anyone can enjoy cycling, given the correct equipment, support and environment. For further assistance, you can contact Wheels for Wellbeing, here.