A sixth of deliveries in central London could be done by cargo bike by 2030, according to Transport for London.
It has published its first cargo bike action plan setting out how it will work with borough councils and the freight sector to promote firms to switch from vans to the purpose-built bikes and cut emissions.
The idea is for the bikes, which are fitted with electric “pedal assist” devices, to be used for “final mile” deliveries to shops and homes.
They are likely to be quicker in congested areas than vehicles and can prove particularly useful in preventing the growth of online shopping resuting in more vehicle emissions that damage the environment. Some 26 per cent of UK retail sales were made online last year.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner said: “Cargo bikes are no longer a niche concept, and they can be real game changers when it comes to delivering freight and servicing trips.
“Not only do they provide environmental benefits by not contributing to air pollution, they also make journeys more efficient, and present a much lower risk of danger to people walking and cycling than vans and HGVs.”
The action plan, launched on Friday at the National Cargo Bike Summit, suggests that cargo bikes could replace up to 17 per cent of van kilometres in central London by the end of the decade.
At present, e-cargo bikes account for six per cent of delivery mileage in central London. But the plan warned: “Businesses unfamiliar with cargo bikes will need to be convinced that they are suitable, viable in the long-term and can meet their service needs.”
The plan recommends:
* Developing a London safety standard for cargo bikes
* Building “micro-hubs” and parking for the bikes
* Monitoring key cargo bike routes
* Ensuring capacity for cargo bikes when designing future TfL cycle schemes
* Promoting cargo bikes alongside low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and other schemes to tackle pollution
* Helping businesses to switch to cargo bikes
On safety, the action plan states: “Cargo bikes need to be operated in a safe and considerate way. They are larger and heavier than other cycles and riders require additional skills.
“Concerns about the personal safety of the rider, for example secluded areas, poor lighting and antisocial behaviour present barriers, especially for female riders. Aggressive and close passing by motorists on roads is another concern.”
It came as Westminster council began offering four cargo bikes for hire, in partnership with bike delivery firm Beryl.
Beryl also has a partnership with Hackney – the first in the UK when it launched in 2021 - in which eight bikes can be hired.
Amazon and DHL already use cargo bikes for deliveries because they are quicker, cheaper and greener.
Rob King, chief executive of Zedify, a bike delivery firm, said: “Cargo bike logistics has hit a vital stage of growth but it’s still a young sector and we need to invest in product development as well as finance and insurance options.”
Beryl chief executive Phil Ellis, said: "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.
"They’re really unique in terms of offering a sustainable, fast and efficient way to shuttle goods across urban environments. They’re also cost effective, removing many of the expenses associated with private vehicle ownership such as fuel, storage, tax, MOT and maintenance."
Westminster’s scheme is part of a £35m commitment to “active travel” that also includes more school streets, cycle lanes and cycle hangars.
Its cargo bikes will be available from four locations – Maida Hill, Harrow Road, Church Street and Tachbrook Market. Users must pay £1.50 to unlock the bike – via the Beryl app - followed by 10p a minute charge.
Paul Dimoldenberg, Westminster’s cabinet member for city management and air quality, said: “The launch of these new e-cargo bikes in partnership with Beryl is one of the innovative ways the council is providing residents and businesses a good, sustainable alternative to cars and vans.”
