Greater Anglia customers can now benefit from a new network of e-bike hire hubs designed to make sustainable onward travel easier around Felixstowe, Harwich and the Shotley Peninsula.
Named Harwich Haven Eezybike Connect, and developed by the region’s Industrial Strategy Zone, Freeport East, the project sees five e-bike pods installed at key rail and ferry locations, creating convenient links from rail stations and the Harwich Harbour Ferry to other popular local destinations.
The scheme, which has been funded by a £25,600 grant from Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, provides passengers, visitors, residents and workers with easy access to e-bikes for onward journeys, helping to improve connectivity while encouraging more sustainable travel choices.
The locations include Felixstowe station, Harwich Town station, and ferry landing points in Harwich and Shotley, creating a more integrated transport network across the area.
The project uses e-bike pods supplied by Eezybike, with secure docking, charging facilities and the ability to rent an e-bike. You can find your closest location and book here.
The initiative supports ambitions set out in the Freeport East Transport Masterplan, which was developed in partnership with Transport East, the region’s transport planning body, which identified improved links between the coastal communities as a priority.
The area continues to experience housing growth, new employment activity and attracts significant numbers of visitors each year, including many from Europe making use of the daily ferry services from the Netherlands to Harwich. Making better local transport connections is therefore seen as increasingly important.
The pod locations have also been selected to align with local hotels and the Shotley Marina, giving visitors to the area ready access to the facilities and encouraging them to stay longer.
Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia’s Partnerships Manager, said:
“This project makes it easier for our customers to continue their journeys beyond the railway by creating convenient links between rail services, the Harwich Harbour Ferry and local destinations.
“This is a great opportunity for people to discover some of the hidden gems East Anglia has to offer, while keeping their carbon footprint low.
“The e-bike network has the potential to encourage more sustainable travel, support local tourism and improve connectivity for residents and visitors across the area.”
Steve Beel, Freeport East’s CEO, said:
“We are delighted to work with Greater Anglia to bring these facilities to the Harwich Haven.
“The visitor economy is critically important for this region and attracting visitors all year round and getting them to stay longer is key to creating more stable employment and income for local businesses.
“We are confident that the new network will strengthen the visitor experience as well as also give options for local people looking for a fun day out or a new way to access work or education.”
John Pipe, Manager, Shotley Marina, said:
“We are delighted to be part of this project and to continue our excellent working relationship with Freeport East, Eezybike and the wider project partners. Collaboration is key to delivering meaningful improvements for our local communities, and this initiative is a great example of organisations coming together to support sustainable travel and connectivity.
“As a gateway to the Shotley Peninsula, we are committed to enhancing visitor experiences while promoting environmentally responsible ways to travel. The new Eezybike facility will make it easier for people to access the marina, ferry services and surrounding attractions, helping to encourage active travel and support our wider sustainability ambitions.”
Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of Tendring District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said:
“These new e-bike pods will give residents and visitors another convenient way to travel between Harwich, the railway station and ferry services, while supporting healthier, more sustainable journeys. It is a good example of how partnership working can improve local connections and make it easier for people to explore everything our area has to offer. We are committed to working with our partners on practical projects like this that improve quality of life for our residents.”
This project builds on previous Greater Anglia Customer and Community Improvement Fund investment which helped improve links between rail services, the Harwich Harbour Ferry and local walking routes. It further strengthens opportunities for integrated journeys combining rail, ferry, walking and cycling.
The scheme supports local economic growth, improves access to tourism attractions and employment sites, and encourages more people to leave their cars behind in favour of greener travel options.
Greater Anglia is part of GBR Anglia, which brings c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia closer together under one unified leadership team as part of the wider journey towards Great British Railways, which has a key focus on delivering a consistently better experience for passengers.
