BIKES will replace some delivery lorries in the city after the council was awarded a major cash grant.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been granted £85,000 by the Government for 12 new eCargo bikes.

These are electrically assisted and have, the authority said, become increasingly popular in recent years with parents travelling with small children and businesses transporting goods.

One of the new bikes will be given to the council’s postal team and another will be given to City Parks.

Five will be allocated to courier company Zedify and the remaining bikes will be used by businesses in the city; Gunns Florist, Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-op, Real Patisserie, Brighton Gin and Mittens Plumbing, Heating and Bathroom Design.

It is hoped the introduction of the bikes will be a “key factor in helping the city become carbon neutral by 2030”. The authority, one of 18 to secure the funding, will top up the Government grant with £17,000 of its own money, for additional equipment and resources.

Chairwoman of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, Anne Pissaridou, said: ““We’ve recently seen dramatic changes to the way we are travelling.

“People are cycling and walking more and the number of cars on our roads has fallen significantly. Electric cargo bikes are a great way for businesses to transport goods and services quickly around the city.”