Brent’s Bikes for Business

A cargo bike is any bike designed to carry goods and equipment.

Many of these are electrically assisted (an eCargo bike) with a rechargeable battery which increases the distance they can travel and how much weight can be carried. Many bikes are able to carry around 150-200kg (including rider) and some models even able to carry up to 400kg.

Unlike petrol and diesel vehicles, they don’t produce any fumes while they’re being ridden making them a cleaner option for transporting goods around the borough.

Cargo bikes come in various shapes and sizes with two-, three- and even four-wheel versions. Some models come with large containers and trailers which can carry up to 400kg or have chiller containers for food and drinks.

Put simply, anything that will fit in the container or can be tied to a trailer or rack safely and securely can be transported by cargo bike.

Cargo bikes can carry most things up to 400kg depending on the model, and will have either a lockable container, rack at the front, or trailer at the rear which can be used to tie items to

As cargo bikes are so versatile, they can be used to transport large and small items including:

• Legal documents
• Flowers
• Food trays for catering events
• Bottled or canned beverages and bags of coffee
• Sculptures and art
• Computer equipment
• Construction tools and material samples
• Advertising portfolios
• Baked goods

With so many options for cargo bikes, many different types of organisation could use one in their business operations. Why not give it a go?

Cost

Cargo bikes have lower running costs compared to vans and there are no congestion or emission charges, or parking fees. They can also be faster than a van as the bike can avoid traffic by using cycle lanes and back streets.

Better for the environment

With zero exhaust emissions, cargo bikes can help cut local air pollution levels and help you do your bit to reduce your business's emissions as we work to reach net zero carbon emissions in Brent by 2030. Using a cargo bike also reduces noise from traffic and road danger, creating a more pleasant urban environment.

Positive branding

Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability to your customers. Cargo bikes are easy to brand with your company logo if you go down the route of purchasing one.

We will ensure that all the couriers we recommend have insurance and have training of riders as part of their operations.

If you choose to use a cargo bike courier, it is important that all goods are appropriately packaged with suitable materials.

Cargo bike couriers will take every measure to ensure that parcels are delivered undamaged, but businesses will need to take their own precautions to properly package their parcels.

Brent Council, MP Smarter Travel and cargo bike couriers can’t accept any liability for items that are poorly packaged.

Brent’s Bikes for Business builds on two successful trials held in Harlesden and Willesden Green Town Centres.

We caught up with Heidi, who is the manager of Daisy Chain, a florist by Willesden Green tube station. The business recently started using eStreet cargo bikes for their deliveries as part of one of the trials, she said: "Customers give a positive response on the door. We like to see ourself as a business that is reducing emissions and this does that.

"Definitely swap to a cargo bike, go for it. There is flexibility there, it is reasonable, it is not expensive, it is the way forward."

How are businesses benefiting

Find out how some of our businesses are already putting their bikes to good use:

• Crazy Baker, a business in Harlesden with a variety of services including bakery, wholesale and events
• SPARKS, an independent bike shop in Harlesden
• Harlesden Mutual Aid, providing free meals to families in need of support.