FM Conway introduces new e-cargo bikes to cut carbon emissions in London

Leading infrastructure services company FM Conway is using e-cargo bikes in a bid to dramatically cut its carbon footprint by reducing the number of construction vehicles travelling into and around London.

The e-cargo bikes are able to carry construction materials of various sizes and weights, including bags of sand and boxes of fittings, using two wheeled custom-built frames.

Each bike can carry up to 250kg and is fitted with an electric pedal assist motor and GPS tracking, enabling an overview of their locations to be able to transport the materials required at any given time.

Their use is currently being trialled on phase two of the Illuminated River project and in collaboration with Westminster City Council with the aim of taking a significant step towards utilising more sustainable construction activities.

Usually vans and lorries are required to transport materials around London, however the use of e-cargo bikes reduces the need for as many as two vans on the road, dramatically reducing the carbon emissions produced from transporting materials to and from work sites around the capital.

FM Conway has already stated its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2045, five years ahead of the government target, and the use of e-cargo bikes is aimed at contributing towards a larger sustainability agenda within the industry.

Adam Barnes, Senior Contract Manager at FM Conway, said:

“As a cyclist with average experience, I was initially a little bit hesitant to ride the cargo bike. With the prospect of having a delivery load added to the bike this only heightened my nervousness around the planned ride. However, any concerns I may have had were quickly reassured.

“As soon as I got on the bike to do some practice laps of our yard in Southwark, I immediately realised the ease of riding with the use of the electric assist motor. As to be expected, you must be aware of the slightly larger frame, but the handling and engineering of the bike make it very user friendly. The ride itself really demonstrated the flexibility and capability of the bikes in terms of use for general logistics within the construction industry.

“Being on the ride has really given me a better perspective for the use of cargo bikes from both the view of the rider and the operational potential within the industry. I am now more motivated than ever to incorporate their use into our site logistics model within central London and further investigate their use in site operations in other areas of the business.”