London has a plan to boost cargo bike use in the city

Cargo bikes are taking the streets by storm, revolutionizing the way we think about freight and servicing trips in cities. Transport for London (TfL) is spearheading this movement with its Cargo Bike Action Plan to promote and enable the growth of cargo bikes, aiming to make them a leading option for last-mile freight and servicing trips.

Cargo bikes offer numerous advantages over traditional delivery methods, including quicker and more efficient journeys and significant air quality improvements, which contribute to healthier and safer streets. Major businesses like Amazon and DHL are already using cargo bikes for deliveries because they are quicker, cheaper, and greener.

“What we have learned from running e-cargo bike hire schemes in London is that they can be incredibly useful to many people, from businesses and tradesmen to families and individuals,” said Phil Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Beryl.

“They’re really unique in terms of offering a sustainable, fast, and efficient way to shuttle goods across urban environments; making them perfect for a wide range of tasks from carrying tools and delivering packages to getting your shopping done.”

Beryl currently runs e-cargo bike hire schemes in Westminster and Hackney.

In London, road freight is a major source of nitrogen dioxide emissions, a key contributor to the city’s toxic air. Cargo bikes provide a cleaner and more sustainable way to deliver freight and services, resulting in considerable air pollution savings and contributing to healthier and safer streets. TfL estimates that cargo bikes could replace up to 4% of van kilometers by 2030, with central London expected to see the highest growth and replace up to 17% of van kilometers by 2030. By 2030, the carbon savings resulting from cargo bike growth across Greater London are estimated to be up to 30,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.

Cargo bikes also pose a lower risk to people walking and cycling than vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), helping to make London’s streets safer and more attractive for those using public transport, walking, and cycling.

TfL’s plan sets out several key actions to promote cargo bike use and address barriers that prevent a shift from vans to cargo bikes. These actions include developing a London safety standard for cargo bikes, exploring opportunities to provide space for last-mile cargo bike operations, monitoring cargo bike routes, using procurement policy to support cargo bike uptake, ensuring adequate capacity for cargo bikes in future cycling schemes, promoting cargo bikes in TfL and borough schemes, and providing businesses with the information they need to make the switch to cargo bikes.

DHL cargo bike in London

The growth of cargo bikes is an exciting development that can help us build a greener, safer, and healthier city for all.

“Cargo bikes are no longer a niche concept, and they can be real game changers when it comes to delivering freight and servicing trips,” said London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman. “With the support of businesses, boroughs, and industry partners, we can make our vision for cleaner and safer freight a reality.”

In addition to their practical benefits, cargo bikes also offer a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses to showcase their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By choosing to use cargo bikes for deliveries and servicing, they are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also contributing to a cleaner and healthier city for all.

As the use of cargo bikes continues to grow, we can look forward to a future where last-mile freight and servicing trips are made by safe, clean, and efficient vehicles, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable city for all.