Update on the Cargo Bike project

Update on project scoping for a community cargo bike/ E-bike library

Following the Woolly Saddle Cargo bike trial in 2022, Jo Haughton has been scoping phase 2 of the project since Autumn last year on the basis that further test activity and insight gathering is required.

A secure storage location is needed first and foremost, so multiple leads have been followed up and various spaces ‘reccied’ and this has proved challenging. Progress was stalled in the lead up to Christmas and early 2024 while the focus has been getting the Eddington CIC established.

Nonetheless, the cargo bike volunteers have been re-engaged with at least 6 of the original riders still keen to be involved in the next stage of development.

Kendal Futures are enthusiastically engaged in the process and cargo bike options have been submitted to flag up the business opportunities as part of the Market Hall space feasibility study. Good connections have been made with Ilkley Active Travel hub & Cargo Bike Library and Carla Cargo/Manchester Bike hire and Cycling UK. These contacts have provided good insight into the challenges and processes to consider as well as indicators on cost, potential funds and resource required to set up a basic bike library.

The scoping assumes that we are not looking for just one solution, it could be a range of, or combination of activity.

Thanks must go to Isobel and Alastair for their comprehensive guidance document based on the experience of launching the Staveley Community E-bike scheme which has enabled Jo to adapt some of this information for a cargo bike operation.

Three feasible location options are emerging, one of which is the new space being developed by No Hands Rest by the river in the old K Village shopping centre. Further talks and visits are planned this month, so watch this space for a report coming soon.

If anyone would like to volunteer to support Jo with this, or find out more detail, drop her an email at sltransition@gmail.com.