On Wednesday 23rd June we officially launched phase 2 of our Bikes for Business project. The centrepiece to the event was a convoy of 30 cargo bikes playing birdsong along the Low Line between Bermondsey, London Bridge and Bankside!

Cargo bike riders joined from many different operators working in London, and played beautiful birdsong to help us imagine what the streets of London would be like without the sound of traffic. The launch aimed to highlight the immense environmental and health benefits low carbon transport can bring to the capital by replacing engines and horns with tweets and chirps and welcoming an all together calmer and happier summer.

Riders will continue to play birdsong during their deliveries throughout July to promote the 18-month Bikes for Business project. Please give them a wave if you see them on their rounds or hear the sounds of Goldfinch, Blackbird, or Songthrush.

The project follows a successful trial in our Bikes for Business project in 2019/20 where we counted big increases in cargo bike journeys on Tooley Street and Newcomen Street – showing a desire from our businesses to reduce emissions.

Get involved

As well as having a huge environmental impact, cargo bikes also make business sense, providing a commercially attractive alternative to high-polluting vehicles. To find out how your business can trial cargo bike services and receive a subsidy email bikesforbusiness@mpsmartertravel.co.uk.

Find out more about the project here.

This project is funded by Impact on Urban Health as part of their work to tackle the health effects of air pollution, which disproportionately affects people living on low incomes in inner-city areas.

Jack Skillen from Team London Bridge comments “Cargo bikes are not only a fantastically cheap way to transport people and goods around the capital but have such a positive impact on the environment and the public. We wanted to find a way to highlight the amazing benefits these bikes can bring to the communities they serve. London can become a world leader in not only low carbon transport but also in rewilding our cities and bringing nature back into our public spaces.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Cargo bikes are a greener, cleaner and often faster and more efficient alternative to polluting cars and vans. Bikes for Business is having a transformative effect in making deliveries more sustainable in south London. TfL funded the pilot of this scheme so it is fantastic to see our initial investment now being scaled up. The birdsong initiative further highlights how bikes benefit our environment.”

Bikes for Business is being delivered by sustainable transport experts MP Smarter Travel. Project partners are Team London Bridge, Better Bankside, Walworth Road LEN, Blue Bermondsey, Shad Thames Area Management Partnership, Druid Street Traders, Southwark Council, and BermondseyStreet.London

Bikes for Business launch has the Low Line tweeting!