New safety standard for cargo bikes and their operators

New safety standards have been published for cargo bikes and their operators, with their use continuing to grow. 

The London Safety Standard for Cargo Bikes has been developed by Transport for London (TfL) to encourage good conduct and set out safety expectations for the cargo bike use London. 

TfL committed to this new safety standard in its Cargo Bike Action Plan (CBAP), published in March 2023.

While product safety standards for cargo bikes are emerging, there is no established industrywide safety standard that has gained widespread recognition. 

TfL expects its standard to drive good industry practice and deliver real safety benefits.

TfL’s director of transport strategy and policy, Christina Calderato said: “Increased cargo bike usage can bring significant benefits to London, reducing vehicle congestion and emissions, but more work is needed to ensure the safety of riders and other road users. 

“We have worked with industry partners and stakeholders to develop this comprehensive standard, setting out what is expected of riders and operators in terms of conduct, equipment and safety.” 

The new safety standard identifies 19 principal risks associated with cargo bikes, operators and riders, including dangerous delivery locations, vehicle maintenance and blind spots caused by bike structure. 

It also provides 21 mandatory requirements for cargo bike riders and operators to mitigate against these risks, including cycling and parking conduct, and rider training.

Furthermore, it identifies further recommendations, such as carrying out dynamic risk assessments and sourcing bikes from trusted manufacturers.

Organisations and businesses that sign up to the standard will be required to train riders to a minimum of Bikeability level 3 and commit to parking in a way that does not obstruct pedestrians and meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, among other measures.  

TfL has worked with a variety of key stakeholders including the Bicycle Association, businesses, boroughs and riders, to develop this standard, and has run workshops over the last year to gain insight from industry partners.  

Having launched the standard, TfL is actively engaging with the cargo bike industry to raise awareness of good safety practice and encourage adoption of the standard. 

TfL will also work with other safety accreditation schemes, including the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) to identify how to incentivise take up of the standard.

Bruce Bratley, CEO of recycling company First Mile, said: "I've cycled in London for 25 years and there's never been a more exciting time for cargo bikes, which have the potential to be low impact and more productive than ICE cargo modes.

“It’s time to reclaim the streets with cargo bikes, but we must do this safely and responsibly.

“The work of TfL's Cargo Bike Safety Standard is critical to ensure all road users and pedestrians are kept safe and bike operators ensure the highest standards of safety and operation.”