Westminster businesses to get grants towards cargo bikes

A group of five London boroughs has been awarded £180,000 by the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund to help more businesses switch to cargo bikes.

Businesses in the five London boroughs - Westminster, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and the City of London - can apply for grants until 28 August 2024 towards:

• the cost of cargo bikes for deliveries, work and travel
• helping to cut bills and improve air quality.

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The project is being operated by the Zero Emissions Network, following a successful bid to the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund. It will also see its cargo bike share scheme, where bikes are available to rent by the minute from local docking stations, improved and expanded to new areas in the five boroughs.

With over 3,000 resident and business members, Zero Emissions Network (ZEN) is an award-winning initiative that helps people save money, reduce emissions and improve local air quality. It has recently expanded to the City of London, Westminster and Newham after already helping nearly 100 businesses - including electricians, florists and hairdressers - switch to cargo or e-bikes in Hackney and Tower Hamlets. The network also offers free advice and services to help people switch to low emission transport.

In addition, Zero Emissions Network (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, including a pilot to use sustainable transport for last-mile deliveries, business engagement to get more businesses using sustainable transport and running events to encourage people to reduce emissions from transport. 

Previous 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.”

Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality at Westminster City Council, said "We are thrilled to support the expansion of the Zero Emissions Network into Westminster, with over 3,000 resident and business members. Cargo bikes represent a fantastic step forward in sustainable transport, offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to motor vehicles. Cargo bikes allow riders to use Westminster's cycle lanes, saving time and reducing costs associated with fuelling, parking, and maintenance. This initiative will not only help reduce our city's carbon footprint but also improve air quality and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone."

Residents and businesses can sign up to the Zero Emissions Network.