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8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling...

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow...

2 May 2025

Could the UK cycling industry be showing signs of renewed momentum? Following a challenging period marked by falling sales and overstocked inventories, overall trends and sales figures from...

2 May 2025

The Netherlands is set to legalise electric scooters and other light electric vehicles on public roads from July 2025, provided they are registered and display a license plate.

30 Apr 2025

The ACT has welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike products not meeting safety regulations, which has been launched “in context of dangerous low-quality e-bike...

29 Apr 2025

Edinburgh has been named the UK’s top city for bike commuting, with 10.00% of its workforce choosing to cycle to work, according to new research.

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.

15 Apr 2025

Retail Crime Remains Alarming - Bira's Latest Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Action

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.

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TfL claims cargo bikes could replace 1/6 of van deliveries in central London

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

A sixth of deliveries in central London could be done by cargo bike by 2030, according to Transport for London.

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As reported by the London Evening Standard, TfL’s first cargo bike action plan sets out how it plans to work with local authorities 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 resulting in more vehicle emissions that damage the environment. Some 26% 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 at the National Cargo Bike Summit, suggests that cargo bikes could replace up to 17% of van kilometres in central London by the end of the decade.

At present, e-cargo bikes account for 6% 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.”

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