Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 47, line 27, after “bicycle” to insert “, or cargo bicycle,”.

This suite of amendments simply seeks to include explicit reference in the Bill to pedal cargo bikes. There was some back and forth with the Minister on this issue during the Committee Stage debate. The placement of these four amendments varies slightly from that of the amendments we tabled on Committee Stage because the Minister expressed concern around the placement of our amendments and the relevant section. We have taken that concern on board. The amendments take account of the Minister's feedback and simply seek to provide a specific reference to cargo bikes within the definition of a pedal cycle or pedal tricycle in the legislation, whereas during Committee Stage, we tried to insert them within the definition of powered personal transport. Again, we have taken on board the concern with regard to the correct placing. However, we believe it is important that pedal cargo bikes be named and recognised within the Bill.

The Minister will be very aware of the widespread and growing use of cargo bikes for transport, leisure and last-mile delivery purposes across Europe and indeed in Ireland. Many people who require the use of the car, for one reason or another, may be more inclined to use a cargo bike than a standard pedal bike or trike, given that they can safely transport greater volumes than on a traditional pedal bike with a rack or pannier. Cargo bikes also provide families with the option of choosing a more active mode of travel. With regard to their use for commercial purposes, a 2021 survey undertaken by the University of Westminster identified the many environmental benefits and increased efficiency and productivity of cargo bikes for last-mile delivery, and I notice that is compared with traditional combustion, hybrid and electric delivery vehicles.

Cargo bikes have a positive role to play both commercially and in households. If we are serious about encouraging people to use cleaner and more active modes of travel, it is important that protection is provided in the legislation for the variety of active travel modes. Our concern is that if the legislation does not include an explicit reference to cargo bikes, there could be an inadvertent conflation with what constitutes a powered personal transporter, which specifically excludes bikes equipped for the carriage of goods. That could create a legal ambiguity around the use of cargo bikes. Those who choose to transport goods in this manner may therefore not be covered or protected by the provisions of the Bill. At a time when there are pilot schemes trying to encourage businesses to switch to cargo bikes, particularly in our urban city centres, they may not be confident that they are covered or protected by the provisions of the Bill.

I know the Minister agrees on the importance of facilitating the wider use of cargo bikes and trikes and their increased uptake, so I hope he might consider accepting this amendment.