Transport for London (TfL) has published a new London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes, setting out new requirements for cargo bikes, operators and riders.
Cargo bike use continues to grow in London, as a quicker, cheaper and greener alternative to vans. TfL estimates that cargo bikes could replace up to 17% of van mileage in central London by 2030, and could save up to 30,000 tonnes of CO2 a year across Greater London.
But while product safety standards for cargo bikes are emerging, there is no established industrywide safety standard with widespread recognition.
TfL’s new standard, which delivers on a commitment made in its Cargo Bike Action Plan, is intended to support continued sector growth while keeping all road users and pedestrians safe.
Developed in partnership with industry, the new standard identifies 19 principal risks associated with cargo bikes, operators and riders, including dangerous delivery locations, vehicle maintenance and blind spots caused by bike structure.
It also provides 21 mandatory requirements for cargo bike riders and operators to mitigate against these risks, including cycling and parking conduct, and rider training.
Organisations and businesses that sign up to the standard will be required to train riders to a minimum of Bikeability level 3 and commit to parking in a way that does not obstruct pedestrians and meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, among other measures.
The plan also identifies further recommendations, such as carrying out dynamic risk assessments and sourcing bikes from trusted manufacturers.
TfL is now actively working with the cargo bike industry to raise awareness of good safety practice and encourage adoption of the standard.
It will also work with other safety accreditation schemes, including the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS), to identify how to incentivise take up of the standard.
Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of transport strategy & policy, said: “Increased cargo bike usage can bring significant benefits to London, reducing vehicle congestion and emissions, but more work is needed to ensure the safety of riders and other road users. We have worked with industry partners and stakeholders to develop this comprehensive standard, setting out what is expected of riders and operators in terms of conduct, equipment and safety. As more and more businesses move to cargo bikes, we are confident this standard will help deliver safer roads and support the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal.”
Bruce Bratley, CEO of recycling company First Mile, said: “The work of TfL’s Cargo Bike Safety Standard is critical to ensure all road users and pedestrians are kept safe and bike operators ensure the highest standards of safety and operation.”
