A group of five London boroughs has been awarded £180,000 by the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund to help more businesses switch to cargobikes.
Businesses in the five London boroughs - Westminster, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and the City of London - can from today apply for grants towards the cost of cargo bikes for deliveries and work travel, helping to cut bills and improve air quality. The project is being operated by the Zero Emissions Network, following a successful bid to the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund. It will also see its cargo bike share scheme, where bikes are available to rent by the minute from local docking stations, improved and expanded to new areas in the five boroughs.
With over 3,000 resident and business members, Zero Emissions Network is an award-winning initiative that helps people save money, reduce emissions and improve local air quality. It has recently expanded to the City of London, Westminster and Newham after already helping nearly 100 businesses - including electricians, florists and hairdressers - switch to cargo or e-bikes in Hackney and Tower Hamlets. The network also offers free advice and services to help people switch to low emission transport.
In addition, Zero Emissions Network has been offered a further £704,000 by the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund to develop a number of new projects in the five boroughs, including a pilot to use sustainable transport for last-mile deliveries, business engagement to get more businesses using sustainable transport and running events to encourage people to reduce emissions from transport.
Previous grant recipient Lloyd Morgan, of London Locks, said “Hands down the best transport we've ever purchased as a business. we can carry more, faster, and greater than ever. It's been revolutionary! It honestly makes me so happy.”
Cllr Mete Coban, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “Working with businesses to cut transport emissions is a key part of our air quality and climate action plans, which is why we co-founded the Zero Emissions Network and why we’re thrilled to now be working with four more boroughs. Cargo bikes help cut bills for businesses, support faster deliveries, help improve air quality and create a greener, healthier Hackney.”
Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Tower Hamlets Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said: “Responding to the climate emergency requires partnership and innovation – two core aspects of this funding which will help businesses reduce carbon emissions by transitioning to low emission cargo bikes. We are looking forward to working with our neighbouring boroughs to deliver this grant funding and supporting local businesses with the transition to a more affordable and sustainable way of doing deliveries and travelling.”
Aled Richards, Newham Council, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, said “Newham Council is delighted to be part of the expanded Zero Emissions Network. There is untapped potential for businesses and community organisations to use cargo bikes, e-bikes and other zero emissions vehicles as part of their operations, and the council is supporting this transition.”
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Shravan Joshi, said: “The City Corporation is thrilled to be partnering with Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Westminster on the Zero Emissions Network. “The expansion of the network to include the City and our neighbouring boroughs will allow businesses and residents in the City to take advantage of the many benefits that come with being a ZEN member, including advice on switching to low emission transport, cargo bike hire, trials and grants, and discounts and offers for members. The ZEN will build on the fantastic work being done in the Square Mile to improve local air quality, by enabling businesses to shift to lower emission transport.”
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality at Westminster City Council, said "We are thrilled to support the expansion of the Zero Emissions Network into Westminster, with over 3,000 resident and business members. Cargo bikes represent a fantastic step forward in sustainable transport, offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to motor vehicles. Cargo bikes allow riders to use Westminster's cycle lanes, saving time and reducing costs associated with fuelling, parking, and maintenance. This initiative will not only help reduce our city's carbon footprint but also improve air quality and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone."
Residents and businesses can sign up to the Zero Emissions Network (https://www.zeroemissionsnetwork.com/join).
