Image: the Energy Saving Trust
Three London boroughs are among the local authorities to benefit from a share of £1.2 million in funding to encourage the large-scale uptake of eCargo bikes.
The eCargo Bike Grant Fund local authority scheme is run by the Energy Saving Trust, with support from the DfT.
Those successful applications awarded in 2021 offered a ‘broad range of inspiring, exciting initiatives’.
They include the London boroughs of Brent, Waltham Forest and Hackney – who between them have funding for 18 eCargo bikes, trailers and storage units.
Across the country, Coventry City Council plans to introduce a project called the City of eCargo Culture, which will demonstrate to a large audience how eCargo bikes are a viable last mile solution in the compact city centre environment.
Meanwhile, Salford City Council aims to offer a ‘try before you buy’ scheme for local businesses, where they can trial a range of eCargo bikes by making use of a bike library.
Tim Anderson, head of transport at the Energy Saving Trust, said: “We are inspired by the quality and innovation of those local authority applications to the eCargo Bike Grant Fund local authority scheme 2021.
“eCargo bikes are an attractive low carbon transport option and offer impressive fuel cost savings, while contributing to improved local air quality. We hope this funding will encourage local authorities to benefit from an eCargo bike culture as we look to the future and continue to drive the transport agenda.
Trudy Harrison, cycling and walking minister, said: “eCargo bikes have huge potential in helping us to decarbonise transport, cut congestion and clean up the air in our towns and cities across the country.
“We’re committed to helping businesses switch to greener forms of transport, so I’m delighted the UK Government is funding worthwhile initiatives such as these.”
07 March 2022