Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new action plan to promote the growth of cargo bikes in collaboration with boroughs, businesses and the freight and servicing industry.

The action plan includes work to develop a London safety standard for cargo bikes that adopts best practice for both riders and operators

The use of cargo bikes for delivery trips is becoming more widespread – including with major businesses such as Amazon and DHL – and research by TfL indicates they could replace up to 4% of van miles across the capital by 2030 and 17% in central London.

Its new strategy will help make cargo bikes a leading option for last-mile freight and servicing trips – promoting their air quality improvements but also the benefits to journey speed and efficiency, road congestion and road user safety.

The plan, launched today (Friday 31 March) at the National Cargo Bike Summit in central London, sets out actions to promote cargo bike use and address barriers that inhibit or prevent a shift from vans to cargo bikes. Key actions within the plan include:

• Developing a London safety standard for cargo bikes that adopts best practice, publishing guidance for both riders and operators
• Exploring opportunities to provide space, such as micro-hubs and parking to support last mile cargo bike operations
• Monitoring where key cargo bike routes are across the city to identify usage patterns and project future growth
• Using procurement policy to support further cargo bike uptake
• Ensuring adequate and suitable capacity for cargo bikes when designing future TfL cycling schemes
• Promoting cargo bikes when planning TfL, or supporting borough schemes – including Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and borough-led vehicle emissions-based schemes
• Providing businesses with the tools and information they need to feel able to make the switch to cargo bikes

Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy and policy, said: “We are determined to provide a green, healthy and sustainable future for all Londoners and cargo bikes can play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions, air pollution and road danger. We will continue to work closely with our industry partners, businesses and boroughs across the capital to make our vision for cleaner and safer freight a reality.”

Rob King, co-founder and CEO of Zedify, added: “Our research shows that cargo bikes can save over 90% CO2 emissions per km compared to electric vehicles. With ecommerce growing, it’s clear they have a serious role to play in decarbonising UK transport.”

To access TfL’s Cargo Bike Action Plan, click here.