- In a collaboration between Ecargo bike provider Velocity Cycle Couriers and Oxford City Council, a six month trial, allowing local businesses to take advantage of zero-emission deliveries across Oxford, has been extended.
- In the six months since the trial started, over 1,100 deliveries have been made on Ecargo bikes within the central Oxford area, covering a distance of over 3,000 miles – which equates to a carbon saving of over 800 tonnes, compared to if the same deliveries were made in diesel vans.
- Thanks to its popularity amongst local businesses, the scheme, which was originally set to end at the end of August, has been extended until at least the 28th of February next year.
Oxford’s Ecargo bike scheme extended
Under the past six months, the council subsidised 100% of the delivery costs under the scheme. Under the extension, however, this has been cut to 50%, with businesses set to pay the remaining cost. However, with the concept proving its success over the previous trial period, the hope is that businesses will continue to participate in the scheme. The scheme’s geographical reach is also being extended, now allowing the Ecargo bikes to make deliveries outside the Oxford ring road – for an added surcharge.
With the capability of long-haul electric trucks also improving all the time, Ecargo bikes, helping with the last mile deliveries, are one piece in the puzzle of making the entire transport chain zero-emission. Its clear success in Oxford will hopefully encourage other UK councils to follow suit with similar schemes, especially when a large proportion of the country’s last-mile deliveries are often undertaken in polluting diesel vans.
Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council, commented:
“It is fantastic that we are able to extend the Velocity electric cargo bike delivery service for a further six months. The trial has been a success so far and I am pleased that we are able to support Oxford’s businesses with exploring cargo bike deliveries.”
Jake Swinhoe, Director of Velocity Cycle Couriers, also added:
“The transition to a sustainable transport network can be a complex topic but finding viable solutions needs strong partnerships – working with so many amazing local businesses coupled with the enthusiasm and support of the city council feels like a very positive movement… At Velocity we are looking forward to further expansion as more journeys on cargo bikes rather than in diesel vans makes for less congestion and cleaner air in our city.”
