Oxford City Council have announced that an electric-cargo bike initiative has been extended for a further three months, meaning businesses across Oxford can continue to take advantage of free, zero-emission deliveries within the city.
In March 2024, Oxford City Council and Velocity Cycle Couriers launched a 12-week partnership offering free same-day and next-day zero-emission deliveries by electric cargo bike for Oxford businesses to destinations within the ring road.
Now, following a successful launch, the partnership has been extended until 31 August 2024 - allowing more businesses to benefit from the initiative and further support the Council’s commitment to improving air pollution.
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In the three months since its launch, the initiative has served 20 businesses, made 590 deliveries covering approximately 1,200 miles, and saved around 315 tons of carbon.
Deliveries are carried out by a Velocity rider using one of the dedicated Covered Market e-cargo bikes supported by Velocity’s fleet of e-cargo bikes.
The Council will continue to subsidise the cost of deliveries during the extended trial period, using grant funding it has received to improve Air Quality.
Following the extension, the partnership will be reviewed again at the end of August.
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The transport sector is the largest contributor of NOX emissions in the city, accounting for 68% of emissions in Oxford.
The introduction of the Zero Emission Zone Pilot in February 2022 has seen a shift towards zero emission deliveries such as electric vehicles and electric cargo bikes, including DPD, EVRI, Pedal & Post, and Royal Mail.
This electric cargo bike partnership aims to support businesses as they explore how they can move towards zero-emission deliveries.
The initiative will also aid the Council in its ambitions to create an inclusive and zero-carbon economy and to support small businesses across the city.
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Councillor Anna Railton, deputy leader and cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council said: “I am delighted that we will be extending the electric cargo bike partnership for another three months.
"The initiative has had a positive reception from businesses and I am pleased that we’re helping more businesses to move to zero emission deliveries.”
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Director of Velocity Cycle Couriers Jake Swinhoe said: "Supporting local traders over the last three months replacing traditional fossil-fuelled deliveries with our electric cargo bikes has been a fantastic partnership with the council.
"We're really pleased that the bike initiative is being extended by a further three months, with all the benefits this brings to congestion and air quality in Oxford.
"We look forward to delivering for our existing partners and hopefully to welcoming new businesses to the council's initiative as well."
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