New cycling facility officially opens in central Chelmsford
Tower Gardens’ Cycle Skills Circuit has been officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford.
On Thursday 14 August the Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford, Cllr Smita Rajesh, was joined by Chelmsford City Council’s Leader, Cllr Stephen Robinson, Chelmsford City Council Cabinet Members, and Jess Leonard from Active Essex at a public launch event for the new facility, which was funded by the Find Your Active Places and Spaces Fund and Chelmsford City Council.
Speaking at the launch event, the Deputy Mayor said:
““Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the residents of Chelmsford on this great new facility. I hope all the young children enjoy themselves here today, and please do continue to enjoy this free, safe environment where you can learn to cycle and develop your confidence. Looking at the number of people gathered here to try the circuit, it looks like it’s a success already!
Councillor Smita Rajesh, Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford
“I’d also like to congratulate Active Essex and Chelmsford City Council for bringing us a step closer to a better and more environmentally friendly future by encouraging Chelmsford’s young people to embrace cycling. Well done everyone.”
Event to launch exciting new facility
Families enjoyed ‘come and try’ activities at the Cycle Skills Circuit launch event, with Bikeability instructors from Essex County Council leading free balance bike, Learn to Ride and Bikeability Level 1 sessions. Every session was fully booked, meaning 48 children got to test out the new circuit over the course of the morning!
Free cycling coaching was provided at the Cycle Skills Circuit launch event.
One attendee commented on how effective the sessions were, saying:
““The facilities are fantastic, I’d highly recommend a visit! And I can’t believe how effective the Learn to Ride sessions are – we came in with stabilisers and just half an hour in and [my daughter] is flying round without them! I’m so proud of her.”
Laura, launch event attendee.
Children also used their pedal-power to make delicious snacks on a Smoothie Bike!
Children made fresh fruit smoothies by pedalling to power the Smoothie Bike’s blender.
It was a busy morning at Tower Gardens, with lots of local families taking part in the event. At 12pm, once the sessions were complete, the circuit was open for general use, and many passers-by returned after having seen the activities taking place that morning.
The circuit provides a safe, traffic-free spot for learners to practice their cycling skills. With a dedicated learn-to-ride area, a cycle practice zone, and realistic road markings, it’s great for building confidence and learning safe cycling habits.
New facility is the first of its kind in Chelmsford
This free-to-use facility offers a safe and welcoming space for children and beginners to develop their cycling skills. The circuit is a fantastic addition to Chelmsford’s community spaces and is unlike anything else available in the district!
Existing dedicated cycling spaces, like pump tracks and skate parks, are suitable for skilled riders, but intimidating to young learners. Now, all learners – from those just getting started on balance bikes or small scooters, to Bikeability students – have a safe space to practice.
The Cycle Skills Circuit is open to the public and free to use.
Jess Leonard from Active Essex, says it’s exciting to see such an innovative facility in Chelmsford:
“"We’re thrilled to see the Cycle Skills Circuit open in Chelmsford. It is a truly innovative space that makes cycling accessible, safe, and fun for all ages. This project reflects our commitment to creating active environments where families can build confidence and enjoy being outdoors together. We look forward to seeing the community make the most of this fantastic facility."
Jess Leonard, Active Essex Relationship Development Officer (Mid Essex), Active Essex
Project leaders and contributors at the launch event.
Chelmsford City Council’s community sport and wellbeing team will be arranging more activities at the circuit in future but, for now, it’s open for general use – so grab your helmet and head over to Tower Gardens!
The Find Your Active Places and Spaces fund helps organisations improve and create spaces that give communities greater access to physical activity. Active Essex will be launching a new phase of the fund on 15 September. More information and application guidance is available on the Active Essex website.
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The Cycle Skills Circuit is free to use and open to the public. You’ll find it in Tower Gardens, off Admirals Park (CM1 2LY). Parking is available nearby on Rainsford Road.
Molly writes stories about public health, community safety, leisure, community sport, parking and Chelmsford Market.