CargoCycle Trafford - faster, cleaner and greener deliveries

CargoCycle Trafford is helping businesses and sole traders move away from traditional delivery methods to eco-friendly cargo bikes, with free consultancy and up to £2,500 in funding.

Aimed at reducing road congestion, lowering emissions and cutting delivery costs, the scheme – supported by GMCA's Foundational Economy Innovation Fund – is available to any organisation in Trafford, as well as those that supply businesses in the borough.

“Electrically assisted cargo bikes are rapidly growing in popularity across Europe, and are shown to offer businesses cheaper, greener and more time-efficient deliveries,” says Mandy White, Director at Altrincham BID, which launched CargoCycle Trafford in June 2024. “We’ve had some amazing success stories so far, and now want more organisations across Trafford to take advantage.”

Greener logistics for Trafford’s enterprises

Businesses that trade online and deliver goods and services locally are particularly likely to benefit, regardless of whether they currently use a courier or their own vehicle.

“Switching to cargo bikes makes so much sense for a really wide range of organisations,” says Ronan Cullen, Senior Consultant at MP Smarter Travel, part of Altrincham BID’s project delivery team. “They can carry loads of up to 150kg, they’re up to 10% faster moving through cities because they can use cycle and bus lanes, and they’re far cheaper to run than cars or vans.”

For businesses, ‘switching’ to a cargo bike could mean changing suppliers or encouraging their existing supplier to start using this form of transport, with the scheme providing a subsidy of 50% off the first two months of deliveries (up to £50 per delivery and £400 in total). Or it could also mean an organisation buying its own bike and taking advantage of a 50% discount of up to £2,500 towards the cost.

Along with these financial incentives comes intensive consultancy support to help with finding the most appropriate solution and identifying cost savings, as well as PR to highlight the switch to a greener delivery method.

“We’re here to demystify the process,” says Ronan. “From initial consultations to helping select the right delivery service, supplier or cargo bike, we’ll make sure you’re able to easily integrate cargo bikes into how you work. If you’re thinking of purchasing a cargo bike, we’ll find you the best model and arrange for you to trial it, and you’ll also be supported on things like insurance, training and maintenance.”

This hands-on approach has been key to building trust and ensuring businesses feel confident making the switch.

Real-world impact

One recent success story is Allan Dean, owner of Pops Greener Car Clean in Altrincham. Facing the possibility of closing his business due to rising costs, Allan turned to the scheme for help. “Without the support from Ronan and the CargoCycle Trafford grant, I would’ve had to shut down,” he explains. “They not only secured financial assistance but also helped me find a replacement cargo bike, saving my livelihood.”

Since adopting a cargo bike, the business has flourished, showcasing how sustainable transport can drive both economic and environmental benefits.

Stretford-based pizza restaurant Bakehouse 32 has enjoyed equally transformative results. “The company was interested in a cargo bike to reduce car and courier reliance and got in contact for free consultation and support with the bike selection, receiving the full £2,500 subsidy,” says Ronan.

This shift has not only improved delivery efficiency but also significantly reduced the company’s carbon footprint: “They’ve cut the number of car and van trips by about 100-120 a month, so I think in a sense Bakehouse 32 are not just delivering food, they’re also delivering a message about sustainability.”

The business base for cargo bikes

Cargo bikes present compelling advantages for small and medium-sized businesses:

Cost efficiency: By eliminating road tax, fuel expenses and parking fees, businesses can see immediate savings.
Environmental benefits: Zero emissions make cargo bikes a sustainable choice, supporting Greater Manchester’s green targets. With increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, this is a tangible way for businesses to contribute.
Faster deliveries: Cargo bikes can bypass traffic and use dedicated bike lanes, meaning they can be faster in urban areas, especially during peak hours, and there’s better control of delivery times.
Brand visibility: With their unique appearance, cargo bikes attract attention and signal a company’s commitment to sustainability. This added visibility can enhance customer loyalty and attract eco-conscious clients.

Presenting practical solutions to common logistical challenges, it’s little surprise that recent trends show a sharp rise in cargo bike usage. In London, for example, there’s been a 63% year-on-year increase and predictions that they could replace around 16% of vans in some areas of the capital by 2030 [1].

“Cargo bikes are revolutionising urban mobility by providing a sustainable, efficient, and genuinely enjoyable alternative for transporting goods in our cities,” says Ronan. “Across the UK, movements are emerging, with more and more companies embracing this mode of transport. So, why not Greater Manchester?

“From Amazon [2] to ZARA, we’re increasingly seeing big companies deploy cargo bikes in urban areas. They’re able to bypass heavy traffic and are far more efficient than using vans that are practically empty. Putting it simply, cargo bikes are faster, cleaner and greener.”

Thanks to the Foundational Economy Innovation Fund, the CargoCycle Trafford service is completely free of charge. Go to the CargoCycle Trafford webpage (external website) for more information or contact Ronan Cullen at ronan.cullen@mpsmartertravel.co.uk.

Notes:

[1] ‘Cargo bike fleet use up by 63% in the past year (external website)’, Gareth Roberts, Fleet News website article 7/8/24, accessed 15/1/25

[2] ‘Amazon launches first fleet of e-cargo bikes in the UK (external website)’ , Amazon website article 4/7/22, accessed 15/1/25