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Blue Bermondsey BID are in the Bikes for Business partnership

We are highly delighted to be part of the Bikes for Business partnership that offers Blue Bermondsey businesses discount and support in switching to Cargo Bikes for deliveries. You will be surprised to discover how adaptable Cargo Bikes can be and how much the sector has improved. You can also do your bit for the environment by using a faster, cleaner, hassle free alternative to motor vehicle deliveries. Replacing diesel/petrol vehicles with environmentally friendly Cargo Bikes, helps to make our areas more attractive and appealing destinations for all.

Focused along South London’s Low Line corridor, the Bikes for Business project is making zero-emission Cargo Bike deliveries the mainstream solution for business freight, with the benefit of saving money on operating costs.

The project helps businesses either purchase their own Cargo Bike or pair them with new 3rd party Cargo Bike services. There are over 100 Cargo Bike service providers in London, including, but not limited to: caterers, couriers, food & drink suppliers, florists, printing & graphics, and tradespeople who arrive by bike. 

Our neighbouring BID, Team London Bridge is leading the initiative after securing a grant from Impact on Urban Health at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation This 20-month project aims to create awareness of the benefits and increase use of Cargo Bikes for business deliveries.

The Bikes for Business project partners are:

  • BermondseyStreet.London
  • Better Bankside
  • Blue Bermondsey
  • Druid Street Traders
  • Shad Thames Area Management Partnership
  • Southwark Council
  • Team London Bridge
  • Walworth Road LEN

The Bikes for Business project can help you with making the switch to Cargo Bikes by offering:

  • Bikes for Business are offering
  • Up to £1,500 towards purchasing a cargo bike.
  • 50% off using a cargo bike operator for pickups and/or deliveries over a two-month period. (Maximum subsidy of £345*).

“Almost 25% of road transport carbon emissions in the capital came from goods vehicles”

— Transport for London

To find out more, book a visit from the Bikes for Business team by simple completing the contact form.

FAQ’s

What is a Cargo Bike?

Cargo Bikes can have a large front or rear container, and come in many shapes and sizes with two, three and four-wheeled models available. Cargo bikes often have an electric motor that can assist pedalling up to 15.5mph and allow riders to carry up to 400kg. As cargo bikes are classed as bicycles they can use cycle lanes and can be operated without a driving licence.

How much subsidy is available for my business?  

Businesses can receive up to £700 in subsidies. 

What’s the catch?  

In return for subsidies, we require some feedback on your Cargo Bike operator’s performance. We may also ask you to provide details for the creation of a case study.

What is the aim of this programme? 

  • To increase the use of Cargo Bikes for business deliveries.
  • Reduce air pollution, noise pollution and carbon emissions by helping businesses switch to zero emission vehicles.
  • Grow the market for Cargo Bikes by supporting the promotion of new services and identifying gaps in the market.
  • Make the Low Line area a leading location for Cargo Bike use.

When will the programme finish?  

The programme will finish end of March 2023

What services can be delivered by Cargo Bike?  

Cargo Bikes are versatile and can be used for a range of services and product deliveries including:

  • Catering
  • Couriers
  • Drink suppliers
  • Florists
  • Laundry services
  • Pet care
  • Printing and design
  • Restaurant wholesalers
  • Taxi Service 
  • Tradespeople 
  • Waste collection

My business is just outside the project area, can we still take part in the programme?  

Yes, if your business services/delivers to customers in the project area then you may be eligible for subsidies.   

Why Cargo Bikes?  

Zero emissions while in use – reduced congestion – easy to park – quiet, with lower running costs than diesel/petrol vehicles – ULEZ compliant – faster delivery times.  

What is the load capacity?  

  • Most are electric assisted, allowing them to carry heavy loads.
  • Capacity varies with each model.
  • A front-loading model will typically hold between 100-180kg.
  • Larger three and four-wheeled models can carry up to 400kg.

MYTH BUSTERS

Cargo Bikes are expensive

Non-electric Cargo Bike models start at around £2,000, and their electric alternatives range from £3,200 to £11,000. However, due to the way that businesses use Cargo Bikes, and their maximum load capacity of 400kg, it is important to compare prices not with bicycles, but with vans.

  • One of the cheapest electric vans, the NISSAN E-NV200 starts at £23,305.
  • At this price, a business could get two of the largest Cargo Bikes available.
  • Cargo Bikes are tax-exempt and can be purchased from most retailers through a 0% finance or leasing scheme.
  • This allows the initial cost to be spread over several months or even years.

Running a van will be cheaper than operating a Cargo Bike

In comparison to electric and especially diesel/petrol vehicles, Cargo Bikes are very cheap to operate. The Energy Saving Trust have calculated the annual running costs of different last mile delivery vehicles. An electrically-assisted Cargo Bike costs £5,580 less to run each year than a small diesel van.

Estimated Annual running cost comparison

  • Cargo bike £295
  • eCargo bike £319
  • eCargo trike £342
  • Small electric van £1,467
  • Small diesel van £6,169

Cargo Bikes have a short battery range and take ages to charge

  • Battery range varies with load weight, rider weight, terrain, speed and battery capacity.
  • With a total rider, load and bike weight of 120kg, an average of 40-50 miles is achievable with a single charge.
  • A comprehensive range calculator can be found HERE.
  • Batteries are charged through a standard mains electricity socket and take between 2 and 5 hours to fully charge from empty.

What do I do with my existing vans and drivers?

We appreciate that businesses looking to transition to cheaper, sustainable and zero-emission fleets may have existing vans and directly employed drivers. In this scenario, we would suggest the following approaches:

  • Use your existing van/fleet to complete longer distance deliveries that extend beyond dense urban areas.
  • Use Cargo Bikes for dense urban areas, where they are more efficient than vans.
  • Re-train drivers to become riders.
  • If your existing vans are on lease, wait for the lease to end, then transition to Cargo Bikes.

Cargo Bike riders are un-insured

Not true. The Cargo Bike can be insured against theft and damage, while riders can get public liability cover and employee insurance.

Cargo Bike riders are untrained

Not with Bikes for Business.

  • We require all operators that sign our Operator Code of Conduct (now adopted by TfL) to have trained their riders to Bikeability Level 3.
  • This is free training provided by all London boroughs. In addition, we ask that riders receive specific training with a recognised provider.
  • Some business highlight rider behaviour as a key factor in supplier procurement, we therefore only recommend operators with additional rider training.
  • Please contact bikesforbusiness@mpsmartertravel.co.uk with enquiries around Cargo Bike rider training.

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