Source: Brixton Buzz, Richmond Council

In the London areas of Brixton and Richmond, initiatives are underway to promote cargo bike use among families and businesses, offering accessible, sustainable transport alternatives tailored to different community needs.

Last week, Brixton hosted the Cargos & Cakes event, drawing families, local leaders—and even dogs—for a friendly and informative gathering focused on using cargo bikes for everyday tasks like the school run. Organized by the charity Solve The School Run, the event served as both a social meet-up and an educational platform for families curious about making the switch to cargo bikes.

“It’s a big investment, and you want to ensure that it’s the right decision, so it’s great to be able to ask all those questions to other families, living similar lives to you,” said Annabel, a local parent, who came to the event.

To make cargo bikes more accessible, the organization provides a variety of models at its events. Many families have taken advantage of the Peddle My Wheels Try Before You Buy scheme, which allows monthly payments to ease the cost of ownership. Additionally, the OurBike initiative offers a community cargo bike that can be hired for just £3 per hour, enabling families to experience the benefits without a large upfront commitment.

Richmond extends scheme to local businesses

In nearby Richmond, the council is supporting businesses through its Good Move Scheme, which enables local enterprises to trial cargo bikes before making a purchase. The scheme allows businesses to test cargo bikes for tasks such as local deliveries or commuting between work sites. Following the trial, participants have the option to buy the bike at a discounted rate, continue renting it, or return it without penalty.

To further raise awareness, the council is hosting the Richmond Cargo Bike Fair on 15th June. The event will offer test rides, educational sessions on maintenance and safety, and expert guidance from local retailers and cycling specialists.

As London continues to promote active and sustainable transport, initiatives like those in Brixton and Richmond illustrate how targeted community engagement and flexible trial schemes can make cargo biking more accessible. By supporting both families and businesses with practical programs and public events, these boroughs are helping to pave the way for broader adoption of low-emission transport solutions across the city.