An e-cargo bike trial has demonstrated how short journeys in towns and cities that previously required commercial vehicles can be transformed.

Raleigh supported Ringway Jacobs and shareholder Eurovia UK, with the trial of an electric cargo Trike to see if the bikes could serve a purpose within the infrastructure businesses primarily across the capital.

The trial supported teams with transporting materials, tools and equipment between sites as well as individuals that need fast and reliable transport from offices to sites.

Mike O’Neill, managing director at Ringway Jacobs said: “We are continuing to find new ways of working on the UK Highways network that is sustainable and also brings social value to the local communities in which we operate.

“This includes reducing noise pollution, promoting cleaner air and having less reasons for our fleet to travel on the UK road network to transport materials on site, which could save time and result in increased efficiency. E-Cargo bikes from Raleigh is one of the ways forward for achieving this.”

Congestion in urban areas can make urban logistics slow and inefficient, in London average road speeds have been steadily dropping over the past 10 years, with an average of 9mph in 2019 and it can be very costly for businesses.

Combine the inefficiency with rising running costs for commercial vehicles, as well as parking and congestion zone levy’s, electric cargo bikes could offer part of the solution for more sustainable travel.

Lee Kidger, managing director of Raleigh UK, said: “We recognise that cargo bikes have huge potential to support many businesses across multiple industries, to help reduce their carbon footprint and costs whilst increasing efficiency.

“Raleigh is committed to supporting businesses with sustainability projects to benefit air quality and reduce congestion, making our towns and cities better places to live and work.”

Ringway Jacobs is an integrated services provider for highways services. The organisation offer a Cycle for Work scheme and provide Bikebility Level 3 training for employees through the relevant highways contracts they operate in: Buckinghamshire, Cheshire East Highways, Central Bedfordshire and Essex Highways (for Essex Highways and London contracts). In the trial of the Raleigh e-Cargo bike, employees involved had received the training for cycle for work purposes.