Cargo bikes ride in for Ludlow delivery trial
A bike delivery service is being trailed in Ludlow to improve sustainability.
Islabikes and Ludlow 21 Sustainable Transport Group have launched a cargo bike delivery trial to lower Ludlow’s carbon footprint.
The initial eight-month trial period is free to local businesses wanting to deliver small goods around town and therefore help reduce the trips made around the town by individual people in cars.
Cargo bikes have been a Covid-19 success story, with towns and cities all over the UK adopting them for a wide variety of uses, including first responders, personal taxis and ‘last mile’ deliveries of goods – where goods are offloaded from much large vehicles to smaller ones for local deliveries.
Bosses at Islabikes said they are a sustainable alternative to vans and lorries because they can negotiate narrow roads and lanes where cars and vans are banned or create danger and blockages, require minimal maintenance, are highly economical to run and very easy to park. They are non-polluting in terms of noise and carbon emissions, as well as providing healthy exercise for the cyclists.
Matt Baynham, head of sustainability at Islabikes, said: “With more home deliveries than ever, and more vans clogging our streets, we are keen to improve air quality and reduce congestion in our home town.
"If the trial is successful, it is hoped the service will expand and become permanent, whilst providing a template for entrepreneurs in other small towns who are interested in delivering goods by bike.
"When you see the bright yellow bike hauling goods, wave hello to give them a big welcome!"
Businesses keen to offer free delivery to their customers should contact Islabikes on 01584 708383 for full details.
