Southend-on-Sea City Council has released new guidance to help residents explore the city on foot and by bike, highlighting seven recommended routes to enjoy the coastline and parks without needing a car. Published on 30 April 2026, the guidance aims to encourage healthy outdoor activity for people of all ages and abilities as warmer spring weather arrives.
The city’s recommended routes include a 6-mile seafront cycling path that stretches from Chalkwell Beach to Shoebury East Beach, which is separated from road traffic for almost its entire length. Residents are also encouraged to walk the 1.33-mile Southend Pier, visit any of the nine local parks that hold Green Flag awards, or explore heritage trails accessible through the Go Jauntly app. For those looking for structured activities, the city offers the Southend Health Walk Scheme, which provides volunteer-led group walks, as well as inclusive cycling sessions with Just Ride Southend, which hosts sessions at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.
Additional resources for walkers and cyclists include the Visit Southend website, which features a dedicated guide to local trails such as the King Charles III England Coast Path. Those who prefer off-road routes can utilise the Prittle Brook Greenway, a path linking Priory Park and Belfairs Park that includes tree-lined routes and secure bike parking.
To support these efforts, the council received £741,600 in funding from the Department for Transport. This investment is being used to improve infrastructure, including the installation of LED lighting along the Prittle Brook Greenway and new, secure cycle parking facilities at several locations such as Chalkwell Park and Shoebury East Beach. These parking stations use technology from Bikeep to provide secure storage. Furthermore, the local organisation ForwardMotion operates a Mobile Cycle Hub that offers residents free bike checks, maintenance, and security tagging.
The council is also currently developing a long-term plan to further improve walking and cycling connections throughout the city to make local trips safer and more accessible for everyone.
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