Bike delivery service to reduce air pollution in London

A cargo bike delivery scheme has launched in Lambeth, London to encourage residents to shop at their local high street, while also aiming to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. 

The scheme is part of Transport for London’s (TfL) Healthy Street Officer Programme, that walking and cycling charity Sustrans is helping to deliver across London. 

The aim of the programme is to clean up London’s air with various initiatives to cut car use and encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport. 

The e-cargo bike home delivery service is the first of the Healthy Streets Officer projects. 

Local residents can walk or cycle into town, do their shopping and drop their bags at West Norwood cycle shop, their bags will then be delivered for free later in the day by the e-cargo bike. 

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: ‘The run up to Christmas is a particularly busy time for online deliveries, which has a knock-on impact on congestion and air pollution.

‘Cargo bikes can help solve this problem, so I’m delighted that TfL has launched this scheme which also enables residents in Lambeth to support their local high street.’

Sustrans’ London director Matt Winfield said: ‘This cargo bike shop-and-drop pilot is a brilliant example of making it easy for people to support their local businesses and have their shopping delivered to their home by pedal power. 

‘This is not only good for our lungs and local businesses, but it cuts traffic congestion too. 

‘We’re very excited to be involved in setting up a fantastic team who are starting to make a difference at a local level, helping people to see that our economy can work with a shift from cars and delivery vans to more environmentally-friendly options like e-cargo bikes. 

‘The speed with which this has been turned around is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.’ 

In related news, online shopping deliveries increase by nearly two-thirds during the festive period so Business Improvement District (BID), Team London Bridge, is working to tackle high emissions this Christmas by encouraging businesses to switch from diesel and petrol vehicles to cargo-bikes. 

 Photo Credit – Sustrans