Grants of £2,500 towards cargo bikes now available for Newham Workplaces

Workplaces in Newham, alongside Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and the City of London, can now apply for one of 24 available grants of up to £2,500 towards the cost of a cargo bike, helping to cut transport costs and improve air quality. Applications are open until 1 September 2024.

The cargo bike grant project is being managed by the Zero Emissions Network (ZEN), following a successful bid to the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund. ZEN is an award-winning initiative that helps workplaces save money, reduce emissions and improve local air quality. It has recently expanded to Newham, the City of London and Westminster after already helping nearly 100 businesses - including electricians, florists and hairdressers - switch to cargo or e-bikes in Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

Aled Richards, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the expanded Zero Emissions Network. There is untapped potential for businesses and community organisations to use cargo bikes, e-bikes and other zero emissions vehicles as part of their operations, and the Council is supporting this transition.”

ZEN has been offered a further £704,000 by the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund to develop a number of new projects in the five boroughs; expanding the cargo bike share scheme, a new pilot to use sustainable transport for last-mile deliveries, plus working with businesses to use more sustainable transport.

Previous cargo bike grant recipient Lloyd Morgan, of London Locks, said: “Hands down the best transport we've ever purchased as a business. We can carry more, faster, and greater than ever. It's been revolutionary! It honestly makes me so happy.”

To apply for a cargo bike grant, visit the Zero Emissions Network website.