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Cargo bikes for freight and logistics
We are passionate about cargo bikes and believe they should be widely recognised as a mainstream solution for local deliveries. They can play a key role in achieving a sustainable future for freight and logistics.
What are cargo bikes?
Cargo bikes are a greener, more efficient, and healthier alternative to vans. They are ideal for local deliveries. They are also cheaper to run than vans, have zero tail-pipe emissions and can cut through traffic. The largest models have a surprising capacity of up to 400kg.
We have delivered award-winning projects with local councils, businesses and charities, working across the UK, from Brighton to Manchester. We work to accelerate cargo bike uptake, helping to reduce air pollution and encourage more sustainable methods of transport.
Freight and logistics
We can help you understand your local deliveries, recommend measures to minimise freight impact, support businesses to deliver efficiently and cost effectively and limit the negative impacts of deliveries.
We have extensive experience in conducting in-person surveys, collecting data on local freight and logistics trips. The information we gather enables us to recommend and implement successful freight mitigation measures such as retiming deliveries, selecting low-emission suppliers for a Preferred Supplier List, consolidating deliveries or changing to more sustainable alternatives.
What we offer
Micro-hub service
Working with local authorities, business improvement districts (BIDs) and logistics firms, we conduct freight micro-hub feasibility assessments, identifying the ideal location, size and operational model for a new micro-hub. We also build a plan that ensures the site is fit for purpose and cost-effective while ensuring it has the largest possible positive impact on local freight trips.
In-person surveys
We specialise in in-person engagement, so we’ll hit the streets surveying a representative sample of local businesses to better understand their current operations, barriers to adopting sustainable travel and a scope for change. Survey results can inform a freight strategy for the local area.
Tender process management
MP Smarter Travel designs, manages and assesses tender processes to identify the ideal operator for a consolidation centre, or identifies a preferred supplier. We have strong impartial relationships with low-emission freight and servicing organisations, allowing us to quickly contact the market and shortlist interested organisations.
Bikes for Business
Funded by Impact on Urban Health and delivered in partnership with several South London Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), we worked with businesses along London’s Low Line in SE1, SE16 and SE17, to switch van and car trips to cargo bikes. Throughout the project we supported charities, the NHS, large corporations, and SMEs.
With a wide network of cargo bike couriers and retailers, we paired businesses with the right service or retailer to help project participants access the right service for their needs.
Business grants were provided to help companies purchase their own cargo bike, use a cargo bike courier for a trial period or access services delivered by cargo bikes (such as window washing and electricians).
What did participants think of the project?
“You’ll find it [cargo bike] one of the most valuable things that you have in your workplace.”
James Roach, Architect and Director, Roach Matthews
Read our case studies and interviews to find out how using a cargo bike benefitted their business. Hear from Roach Matthews, La Grotta Ices, Howard Kennedy and Autumn Animals.
Brighton & Hove eCargo Bike Accelerator Project
After writing Brighton & Hove City Council’s successful funding application for 12 cargo bikes and a trailer, we assisted the council in launching their eCargo Bike Accelerator Project.
The project was designed to help businesses to revolutionise the way they transport and collect goods either by purchasing their own cargo bike or using a courier.
Businesses received advice and subsidies to trial and purchase cargo bikes as well as shift deliveries to a cargo bike-based courier.
Throughout the project, as new businesses bought cargo bikes, we were able to offer more subsidised services delivered by cargo bikes, such as plumbing, electrical support and wholesale coffee.
Award-winning gin distillery, Brighton Gin, took part in the project and bought their own cargo bike to make their deliveries in the local area.”.
Find out more about our work with Brighton & Hove in our project case study.
“Working with MP Smarter Travel on the Brighton & Hove City Council eCargo Bike Accelerator Project was an absolute pleasure and delivery of this project was first-rate, even during a pandemic. Project delivery, done by Oli Ivens, was superb. I was thoroughly impressed with Oli’s knowledge of the eCargo bike sector and industry.”
Daniel Bianco, Brighton & Hove City Council
How we can help you
Contact us and we will help you scope out a project, distribute subsidies where available and guide businesses towards cargo bikes.
We are committed to helping businesses move freight smoothly through our urban areas while minimising impact on people and planet.
For more information on our cargo bike projects, contact info@mpsmartertravel.co.uk or fill in the form below.
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