The BA was out in force for the first National Cargo Bike Summit – “Taking cargo bikes mainstream ”- at the Guildhall in London on March 31st.
Sessions chaired by the BA’s Phillip Darnton, Peter Eland and Andrew Brown, and BA member Richard Armitage all showed different aspects of the great opportunity that cargo bikes offer in the UK.
A large number of BA members were also at the Guildhall supporting the event, including Summit sponsors Raleigh, Tern, Zedify and Fully Charged.
Cargo bikes and cycle logistics is a sector estimated to have grown five-fold since 2020, and the 300 delegates, together with the range of cargo bikes on display, amply demonstrated that this is no longer a ‘niche‘ sector for the industry.
The Cycling Commissioner for London, Will Norman, launched the new Transport for London (TfL) Cargo Bike Action Plan at the Summit – further proof of the priority now being given to the role of cargo bikes in reducing van deliveries in the capital.
BA-commissioned research shows that cargo bikes could provide an alternative to up to one third of all van deliveries – with a significant reduction of the 24% of all emissions that are generated by transport.
The BA, in close consultation with TfL, the City of London and numerous other stakeholders, is now working to develop national best practice and a framework for rider qualifications and training to assist in the rapid professionalisation of cycle logistics. A core group of BA members with direct expertise is currently undertaking initial drafting work. Watch the BA’s cargo bikes and cycle logistics page for updates.
Cargo bikes are economical; quick; reduce congestion; improve our environment; flexible; healthy and above all, efficient. The BA sees cargo bikes as a strategic priority and will continue its work to drive further growth in this dynamic new sector.