Cargodale 2.0

Aim

I am trying to resurrect Cargodale, the e-cargo bike delivery service based in Calderdale, which sadly ceased operations in January 2026.

For just over four years I worked as a rider for the social enterprise Cargodale CIC, living the dream of riding a bike for a living while providing an environmentally friendly, zero-emission delivery service to the lovely folk in the Upper Calder Valley, West Yorkshire. Providing services for local businesses, community organisations and individual customers across Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and the surrounding local communities, the business ceased operations in early 2026 as a result of rising overheads.

After a couple of months of sitting around moping and sulking that I didn't get to play out on the cargo bike anymore, I thought, why not try and bring it back? I've spent the past couple of months working really hard at trying to make this dream a reality, speaking with people in the industry, exploring possible partnerships and ways of funding it, researching bikes, equipment and storage solutions, agonising over how complicated insurance is... but most importantly, gauging the interest in reviving the service amongst local businesses and you, the local community. I have been blown away by the level of engagement with my social media posts both locally and from further afar, and genuinely humbled by the level of support and encouragement I have received. I have also been massively encouraged by each of the local businesses that previously used Cargodale's services saying they would be very happy to use the service again, and to have already received enquiries and job offers from potential new clients. This has given me a real belief that if I continue to work hard at this I can make it a successful venture.

At the heart of what Cargodale does is community, and I love that the service I provide can bring that community together to work together and support one another to thrive. My good friends at local business HebTroCo have stepped up and done me a massive favour in allowing me the use of a bike and somewhere to store it on a trial basis while I try to build the business back up, and with a view to possibly buying the bike permanently if it fits my needs. Long term, in addition to buying or renting a bike I am also going to need to raise funds for storage rental, equipment, various insurance costs, bike maintenance... the list goes on! 

I am estimating costs at around the following (costs over 12 months)

Bike - £2500-3000

Storage - £500-£1000

Equipment - £500

Insurance - £200

Maintenance - £500

I am setting up this crowdfunder as a means of raising some money towards these startup costs. I by no means expect to raise the full estimated amount but any amount raised will be much appreciated help towards achieving my goal. I would be incredibly grateful if you could make a donation, however big or small towards this. It is the local community that make Cargodale what it is; we live in a special place full of special, community-minded people. It would be amazingly special to me if I were able to get this off the ground providing a service made possible by the backing of the local community.

As with any venture like this and running as a sole trader, it will only be successful if people utilise the service. I am still very keen to hear from potential new clients so if you are a local business that I may be able to deliver for or an individual customer with a personal delivery need, please do give me a shout! You can DM me on my social media accounts or bob me an email on [email protected].

I really loved every single minute of working for Cargodale and it will be a dream come true to get back in the saddle, work in the beautiful Calderdale countryside once again, and deliver to your door come rain (most likely, haha!) or shine 😎 Let's make it happen!

Thank you so much for all your continued support.

Alex 

🚵‍♂️😊

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 19th August 2026 at 7:24pm