Richmond upon Thames is set to host its annual Cargo Bike Fair, building on the success of the inaugural event held in June 2025. At the fair, residents had the opportunity to gather information from manufacturers and local retailers, and try riding different models of cargo bikes.

The decision was reached at the Transport and Air Quality Committee meeting on Monday 10 November 2025, where members reviewed the progress of cargo bike initiatives in the borough. The fair aims to promote the use of cargo bikes as a sustainable mode of transport for both residents and businesses.

Cargo bikes have gained popularity in Richmond as an alternative to cars and vans for local deliveries and transporting goods. The council has been actively supporting their adoption through various schemes, including:

  • Our Bike community cargo bike scheme: Launched in May 2022, this scheme provides cargo bikes for hire at various locations across the borough. There are currently 10 cargo bikes serving various locations in the borough. It is proposed to increase the Our Bike fleet by five bikes from April 2025, concentrating on community and school locations.
  • Try Before You Bike scheme: This scheme allows residents, workers, and students to hire a bike or cargo bike with the option to purchase it at the end of the rental period. A new Try Before You Bike scheme will be launched once the current cap is reached.
  • Good Move scheme: This initiative offers discounted bikes and cargo bikes, free car club memberships, free bikehangar membership and free Lime bikes and e-scooter vouchers to residents who wish to dispose of or replace their non-ULEZ compliant vehicle. Between May and October 2025, all 20 cargo bike vouchers which were made available as part of the scheme have been successfully distributed and used.
  • Cargo bike parking bays: The council has installed 4 cargo bike parking bays in September 2024 and extended the programme in October 2025 with 6 additional bays, with plans for more in the future.
  • Household parking for cargo bikes: A modified bike hangar which can accommodate one cargo bike and two standard bicycles is now ready to be trialled.
  • Supporting proficiency and maintenance of cargo bikes: The council's cycling instructors now provide bike proficiency lessons for prospective cargo bikes owners.

In addition to the Cargo Bike Fair, the committee agreed to:

  • Expanding the OurBike scheme and to include non-standard cycles or mobility scooter bike
  • Expanding the cargo bike parking bays programme to include town centres, schools, nurseries and other destinations
  • Improvements for cargo bike users along quiet routes, including introducing dropped kerbs, repositioning bollards and removing railing to open up alternative routes. Officers are working to explore the feasibility of minor improvements at locations highlighted by users during the event.
  • Supporting investigations into local commercial delivery/waste consolidation. Officers have been investigating options for local waste/recycling collection utilising cargo bikes delivering waste to a local consolidating hub. Officers plan to continue these investigations with colleagues across the Council, including identifying potential space which could accommodate a consolidation point serving businesses in the borough.

The council's commitment to promoting cargo bikes aligns with its broader goals of improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging physical activity. The initiatives aim to make cargo bikes a convenient and accessible option for residents and businesses alike.