Butchers & Bicycles: The cargo bike re-invented

A new design of tilting trike aims to alter the way cyclists think of the cargo bike.

Butchers & Bicycles is the start-up business, based in the meatpacking district of Copenhagen (hence the name), behind the MK1 – a cargo bike designed to retain the performance and fun of a conventional bike.

The MK1 is on sale for 3,395 euros.

British cyclists have learnt that in many cities they can reach their destination quicker than any other mode of transport, and yet, for the most part, we remain preoccupied with road bikes and MTBs.

Elsewhere in Europe, the bicycle is considered a practical alternative to the car and certain designs have evolved so that they can carry loads of up to 250 kg. Such cargo bikes tend to be, by their nature, big and heavy and relatively slow.

The MK1 aims to challenge the perception of how fun and easy riding a cargo bike can be without compromising usability.

Carrying kids

Christiania  cargo trikes are being bought in increasing numbers in London, not only by businesses looking for an environmentally-friendly way of bypassing the congestion charge, but by parents looking for a practical and fun alternative to the car for the school run.

When it comes to transporting young children by bike, especially on the school run, there are various options to choose between.

By far the simplest and most popular is the child seat fitted onto the rear rack, but on a standard bike it is not possible to carry more than one child in this way.

In Denmark , particularly in Copenhagen, a significant majority of families with two or more kids cycle their little ones around in a very interesting looking tricycle called a Christiania. There is a choice between a standard-sized model, which can fit two to three kids, and a longer version, which could fit four very comfortably, and even up to six.

The box where the kids sit is in front, so both the parents and the kids get the advantage of a good view, while the parent can also keep an eye on the kids while safely manoeuvring them about. The alternative option – of a trailer that attaches to a normal bike – isn’t as comfortable or fun for the kids as they mainly see the cyclist’s bottom in front of them.

The Christiania tricycle also has the great advantage over a child seat that there is loads of space for all kinds of shopping, even when fully loaded with kids. In fact, the space is comparable to the boot space in a small family car.

Cycle insurance

The ETA offers fully comprehensive cycle insurance to cover your road bike, folder, hybrid, pedelec or cargo bike. Custom builds are also welcome. Every policy includes as standard, protection against theft, accidental damage and vandalism as well as £5m third party cover. Get an instant online quote