Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled the new London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes, fulfilling a key commitment from its Cargo Bike Action Plan (CBAP) published in March 2023. The standard was developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and aims to promote safe practices as cargo bike usage grows across the capital.
Raising Safety Standards for Cargo Bikes
TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy & Policy, Christina Calderato, emphasized the importance of safety as cargo bikes become an increasingly popular alternative to vans: “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.: 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.”
Although product safety standards for cargo bikes are still emerging, there is no universally recognized industry-wide benchmark. TfL hopes the London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes will set clear expectations, encourage best practices, and improve safety for all road users.
Key Features of the New Standard
The London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes includes:
- 19 key risk factors related to cargo bike use, including dangerous delivery locations, vehicle maintenance, and blind spots caused by bike design.
- 21 mandatory safety requirements for riders and operators cover areas such as cycling conduct, parking, and training.
- Additional best practice recommendations include conducting dynamic risk assessments and sourcing bikes from trusted manufacturers.
The Potential Impact on London
According to Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman, cargo bikes can replace up to 17% of van journeys in central London by 2030, cutting 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually across Greater London: “This would equate to around 100 million van kilometres saved per year, and the latest TfL data shows that cargo bike usage continues to grow across central, inner, and outer London.”
Commitment to Safer Cargo Bike Use
Businesses and organizations adopting the standard will be required to:
- Train riders to at least Bikeability Level 3.
- Park responsibly to avoid obstructing pedestrians.
- Comply with Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations and other key safety measures.
For full details on the London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes, visit: TfL Cargo Bike Safety Standard Report.
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