We met Douglas Leroy on a grey morning in West London—punctual as ever—arriving from Waterloo aboard one of Our Bike’s signature three-wheeled cargo bikes.
As General Manager of one of the capital’s most exciting shared mobility schemes, Douglas is on a mission: to make it easier for Londoners to ditch the car and move goods, people, and ideas around the city—on electric wheels.
If you haven’t heard of Our Bike yet, you soon will. This pay-per-minute cargo bike rental scheme works much like Zipcar: book your time slot via the app, pick up the bike from a set location, and return it when you’re done. No free-floating chaos—just reliable, local transport for the things (and people) you care about.
Launched in 2022 in Southwark, the scheme now operates 50 bikes across 14 London boroughs, with 7 new bikes added since early 2025. Each bike is hosted by a local business, community centre, art space, or even a real estate agency—trusted places already embedded in the neighbourhood. Their branding is proudly displayed on the bike, reinforcing a model that champions local identity: every bike feels unique to its area.
“More than 50% of our users have never tried a cargo bike before,” Douglas tells us. “It’s a service aimed at cyclists, yes—but also at the curious. We’re here to shift habits and unlock new ways of moving.”
Douglas oversees OurBike, a scheme provided by Peddle My Wheels which aims to provide all sorts of initiatives introducing active travel in local areas. They work hand in hand with councils like Richmond, Lambeth, and Hammersmith & Fulham, not only to organise training sessions but also to ensure the scheme stays balanced and inclusive. Safety, accessibility, and confidence-building are key—especially in areas with low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs), high deprivation, or limited visibility and access.
And yes, the bikes are insured, and users are expected to take care of them—just like you would a shared car. Parking is surprisingly simple, with generous flexibility in most central London locations. Concerns like vandalism are already factored into the design and day-to-day operations.
A standout choice Douglas and his team made early on was to focus on three-wheeled cargo bikes. They’re more stable, versatile, easier to use, and more accessible for families, older adults, and first-time riders. Whether it’s a parent picking up the kids, a community group transporting gear, or a visitor exploring the city with their gran, these bikes are about more than mobility—they’re about freedom, convenience, and joy.
As London reimagines its streets and how we move, Our Bike is proving that the future of urban transport isn’t just two wheels—it’s three, and it’s shared.
Douglas will be joining The Green Londoner’s event on 12 April by the River Thames, where you’ll get the chance to see one of the bikes in action and chat with him directly. He’ll even be offering a couple of free ride vouchers for the top teams at our pub quiz.
Come along, say hi, and imagine the city differently — just don’t forget to register here.
