More than 80 cargo bikes took part in London’s annual Cargo Bike Cruise event yesterday to celebrate the increase in cargo bike use across the capital.
Cargo bikes used by Londoners and businesses increased by 63% between 2022 to 2023, according to research from Clean Cities.
The event saw campaigners, politicians and more than 50 businesses who operate cargo bikes ride past the Houses of Parliament to celebrate the increase and call for support for zero-emission deliveries.
“Businesses need the support from local and national governments to invest confidently in cargo bikes as a solution in the transition to clean transport,” Fully Charged Co-Founder and Head of B2B Dan Parsons told Zag Daily.
“A shift to net-zero economies will only be achieved through a holistic approach that uses electric vehicles, cargo bikes and more localised economies. Electric cargo bikes have developed hugely over the last decade, now with a vast range of capable solutions across all sectors – leisure, commuting, family, and business.
“We need clear and consistent support for future transport through infrastructure and policy initiatives to help shape a better, cleaner future.”
Last year, Transport for London found that cargo bikes could replace 17% of van kilometres in Central London by 2030 – the equivalent to more than 62 million miles, or 260 trips to the moon.
Research shows that the hidden social and environmental costs associated with diesel vans in London are £2.46 billion annually.
Yesterday’s Cargo Bike Cruise was in support of the Clean Cargo Capital campaign which aims to increase the uptake of electric and pedal powered commercial vehicles as part of a ‘Green Deal for Freight’.
TfL has committed more than £100 million for businesses to scrap polluting vans.
Campaigners are calling for increased support from the Mayor and remaining funds specifically allocated to cargo bikes through a ‘Bikes for Business’ project which offers advice and subsidies for London businesses wanting to adopt cargo bikes.
