Could courier drivers soon only use cargo bikes instead of the traditional courier vans? In London, the transition might happen faster than you’d think.
There has been a massive adoption of cargo bikes in London. The majority of goods transported in London are by road. This creates massive congestion, especially with increased e-commerce platforms and online shopping services.
The local government estimated that by 2030, cargo bikes could account for up to 17% of the travel time spent in central London.
Challenges for cargo bike takeover
Although the environment benefits from greener mobility, the business sector still needs to overcome major hurdles before fully embracing it.
Infrastructure remains a key concern. The cycling network doesn’t accommodate the volume of e-bikes, and cargo bike-friendly facilities are not enough. According to the Environment Energy Leader, nine London councils have pledged to improve infrastructure conditions and support switching from vans.
But what about funding? The government does not subsidize cargo bikes, making them too expensive to replace an entire fleet. You would think that if the government wants to support sustainable transport, there would be some financial support, especially in the long run.
Riders must be trained to enjoy a wider adoption of cargo bikes. Transport for London (TfL) is reportedly collaborating with operators and couriers to enhance training standards.
UK cargo bike delivery company Zedify is an example of how these fleets make a difference in emissions.
The company has significantly reduced carbon emissions by utilizing cargo bikes for last-mile deliveries. Compared to diesel vans, they have achieved a 95% carbon saving per kilometer and 82% compared to electric vans.
On top of this, Zedify saved 202 tonnes of CO2e alone in 2023.
NOW READ:Greener last-mile delivery with Zedify’s approach in busy cities
About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
