UK cycle logistics operators raise funds to expand

by Tom Parr

17th April 2023

Cycle logistics operators in the UK are going from strength to strength, with at least two of them raising finances to realise ambitious plans.

Oxford’s Pedal & Post are aiming to raise £450,000 via a crowdfunding campaign to expand both within Oxford, as well as to the nearby city of Reading. Meanwhile, the UK’s largest electric cargo bike delivery network Zedify recently secured £5m for expansion, which they claim will make their service available to around 20% of the UK population.

Realising potential

“The potential to clean up our air and grow the UK economy is huge. Pollution from diesel van deliveries costs the National Health Service nearly £25,000 across the lifetime of the van, compared to around £150 for an electric cargo bike” Pedal & Post CEO Chris Benton told Business & Innovation Magazine.

Pedal & Post already delivers 1,000 parcels per day in Oxford, and employs 23 people. In the coming five years, the company aims to create 140 jobs, deliver to 8,000 a day and prevent 400 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

Meanwhile, Zedify operates in 10 cities across the UK – and recently conducted research showing that its service is over 90% lower in carbon emissions per parcel than urban deliveries by electric vans. “It’s exciting to have the backing of new and existing investors to enable us to realise our mission to transform urban logistics and create cities that are truly better for everyone” adds CEO Rob King.

Big business

This drive by UK cycle logistics operators comes against the backdrop of news that PON.bike – the group behind Urban Arrow and DOCKR – doubled its turnover to €2.4 billion in 2022. All of which goes to show that, more and more, cycling – and specifically cargo bikes – are big business.

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