We’re exploring what we think is a clever new solution to a lot of day-to-day problems in cities. Working with Cargobike Life, we’ve conducted a feasibility study for the City of London Corporation Clean Air Team – What we all want to know is: what does a community-led cargo bike scheme look like, and how can we roll it out?
Inspired by the successful Swiss Carvelo2go, the idea is that many of the trips people make now (either by a private or hired car/ van), to transport small items (or kids!) could instead be facilitated by cargobikes. This would reduce the CO2, NOx, and other emissions in the city and contribute to overall better air quality. We also think their accessibility opens up an interesting opportunity for more independence for more people; no longer would we have to rely solely on cars/ vans for simple tasks, and no longer would we be held up by traffic congestion.
Over the past few months we’ve engaged almost 100 businesses and organisations near the Barbican and Golden Lane Estates in search of hosts for the cargobikes. We are energised by the enthusiastic businesses who could also see how these bikes would benefit the area. In addition, we’ve been investigating a delivery pilot scheme in the Smithfields Market area. Here we found the demand amongst another large group of local businesses and partnered with Recharge Cargo and Outspoken Deliveries.
We believe that cargobikes are not only an innovative mobility solution, they also have wider public health benefits just by increasing the physical activity among users. We’d love to see cycling become a second nature transport choice for more people in London!