The discussions focused on definition of cargo bike and sustainable access to cycle lanes. As cargo cycles grow in size, weight and volume the next action is for IOC to assign resources to build a high-level document that outlines the present vision of what a cargo bike is.

While some people think a cargo bike can be 1.2m wide, the design standard for UK cycleways is only 2m wide; you can’t pass oncoming units if they exceed 1m each. The London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS) states that 2.0 metres is a recommended minimum for cycle lanes

Technology is changing, quadracycles are growing, some cargo bikes are almost the size of a van (see picture). Legislation is not giving a solid platform to invest at scale.

Protecting the definition of a cargo cycle holds the right of access to cycle lanes, holds the right to ride without a driving licence. Kerbside law allows parking anywhere if not causing obstruction.

SEN EN 17860 has seven parts, but cargo trolley for mail never gets a mention. It was clear at over 300kg it's in the L-cat 6&7 groups, that means a number plate and no access to a cycle lane! Then there is issue of motorcycle helmet!

Netherlands seem to be ahead of the game on definitions, with max weight from different visons between 250 and 300kg, TRL and DfT appear to be watching the development of European standards but nothing moves quickly in the land of these discussions,

As operators commit to growing fleet numbers they need comfort that those budgets deployed will remain sustainable for what people define as a cargo bike.

IOC fellows commented on commitment and growing cost for increasing fleet numbers –

There needs to be a set of rules to sign up to. A security of future use as fleet purchase grows in number. A product led code of values for IOC fellows to showcase best practice is urgently needed. With a lot of work out there from sources far and wide including Europeans developing standards there is need for a UK best practice code for express delivery operators.

Not all cargo bikes are the same, not all cargo bikes are used for express final mile, weight speed and size vary, but need defining.

Guests to the IOC Jan cargo bike event included Bicycle Association Peter Elland. Tony Campbell MCIA is delivering a bus lane cycle access keynote at the IOC heads of industry round table Jan 28th, hosted at Guildhall in the City of London.