New analysis suggests that if delivery companies switched to using cargo bikes instead of diesel vans for first and last-mile deliveries, it would save the NHS and other Government services more than £4 billion.
The cost savings, claimed by cargo bike delivery firm Pedal and Post, are derived from savings from reduced congestion, less air pollution, better health outcomes for riders, and fewer accidents and greenhouse gas emissions.
Chris Benton, the CEO of Pedal and Post, which commissioned the research, said: “The potential to clean up our air and grow the UK economy is huge.
“Pollution from diesel van deliveries costs the NHS nearly £25,000 across the lifetime of the van, compared to around £150 for an electric cargo bike.”
Founded in 2013 by Christopher Benton, the eco-delivery company currently delivers 1,000 parcels a day across the city, employing 23 people.
It says that 100,000 van miles are saved every year by Pedal and Post’s fleet in Oxford.