Traders at Bermondsey’s Blue Market could soon begin using cargo bikes to move goods under a clean air project with TfL.
The marketplace has been awarded a slice of £170,000 funding by the transport quango, which will go towards a cycle-friendly scheme including shared cargo bikes and bike storage for traders.
The move comes after organisations around London Bridge, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Trust, have also turned to cargo bikes in a bid to beat the new ULEZ charges.
One of the businesses at the marketplace taking part in the cargo bike scheme is Bell and Sons butchers.
Keen cyclist Simon Bell, who is also director of Blue Bermondsey BID, said: “We’re really keen to test out the new full size shared cargo bikes, which are planned to be trialled for businesses at the Blue using this new funding from TFL.
“I’ve already seen the new electric cargo bikes in Bermondsey Street and they look great. I hope many other local businesses will join the trial too.”
Jack Shah, chair of Blue Bermondsey BID, said the funding was “fantastic news” for market traders.
“Longer term, there is a huge opportunity for new cycle routes at the Blue which could link up along the Low Line with other areas such as London Bridge and Bankside,” he said.
“Business cargo bikes could use these routes for last mile zero emissions deliveries during weekday daytimes, to help reduce air pollution for our local communities.”