TfL has published the new London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes, developed through engagement with industry stakeholders, to encourage good conduct and set out safety expectations for the growing cargo bike industry in London.
Cargo bike use continues to grow in London, as a quicker, cheaper and greener alternative to vans. While product safety standards for cargo bikes are emerging, there is no established industrywide safety standard that has gained widespread recognition.
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.
TfL has worked with a variety of key stakeholders including the Bicycle Association, businesses, boroughs and riders, to develop this standard, and has run workshops over the last year to gain insight from industry partners.
Having launched the standard, TfL is actively engaging with the cargo bike industry to raise awareness of good safety practice and encourage adoption of the standard. TfL 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.
TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy & Policy, Christina Calderato 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.
Pic: Alena Kravchenko/Dreamstime
