Cycling

Opportunities for the Cargo Bike (brochure summary)

The brochure "Opportunities for the Cargo Bike" by Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) explores the use of cargo bikes for goods transportation, particularly in congested areas where environmental and quality of life standards are becoming more stringent. It shares experiences from various entrepreneurs and provides insights into regulations and subsidies, aiming to guide businesses considering the adoption of cargo bikes.

Cargo bikes are increasingly integrated into the logistics chain by courier services, meal delivery companies, and service providers like painters and plumbers. This trend is expected to grow, driven by the need for cleaner, more liveable cities. The brochure builds on research by the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis (KiM), which compares light electric vehicles, including cargo bikes, to delivery vans, highlighting their societal impacts and future prospects.

Reasons to use a cargo bike include optimizing the logistics process, cost savings, providing a sustainable alternative, and increasing the pool of potential employees since no driving licence is needed.

Development and Types of Cargo Bikes

The Netherlands, a leader in cycling infrastructure and culture, has seen rapid development in cargo bikes. Major manufacturers like Urban Arrow, Fulpra, Cargo Cycling, and Bakfiets.nl produce high-quality bikes. Cargo bikes have improved technically, becoming sturdier with better components. They vary in size, load capacity, and features, catering to different needs.

Benefits of Cargo Bikes

The benefits of cargo bikes include several key aspects. For logistics optimization, they enable faster movement in congested areas, more efficient delivery routes, and less time spent parking. Regarding cost savings, cargo bikes are cheaper to purchase and maintain compared to delivery vans, despite higher relative costs considering load volume and range. In terms of sustainability, cargo bikes produce significantly less CO2 and particulate emissions compared to diesel and electric vans. They also create broader employment opportunities, as more people can ride cargo bikes since no licence is required.

Suitable Businesses

Various types of businesses can benefit from cargo bikes, including parcel delivery companies like PostNL, DHL, and UPS, as well as local couriers. Online retail platforms like Bol.com and Coolblue, meal delivery services like Marleen Kookt, and retailers delivering products like clothes, wine, flowers, and books are also suitable users. Service logistics businesses such as painters, technical installers, and healthcare providers can also effectively utilize cargo bikes.

Using cargo bikes across sectors

The use of cargo bikes varies across sectors, with differing experiences. This next chapter provides insights into how companies use cargo bikes and highlights key learnings from various sectors.

Sector-Specific Examples

DHL started bike deliveries in the 1990s and now operates over 80 cargo bikes in urban areas, replacing delivery vans. PostNL adopted cargo bikes in 2016 due to declining mail volumes and car-restricted city centres. They use around 400 cargo bikes, covering an average of 10,000 km per bike annually, and aim for zero-emission deliveries by 2030 in the Benelux. Marleen Kookt has been delivering ready-made meals via cargo bikes in several cities since 2011, operating 65 bikes, each averaging 10,000 km annually. They chose cargo bikes for their sustainability and manoeuvrability.

Key Learnings

Regarding improved efficiency and flexibility, cargo bikes enhance efficiency and flexibility for last-mile deliveries, navigate urban congestion better, and save costs. For example, Groene Rijders find cargo bikes cheaper than electric vans. In terms of maintenance, intensive use requires regular upkeep, especially for parts initially designed for lighter loads, with monthly preventive maintenance being common in post and parcel sectors. Marleen Kookt prefers more robust cargo bikes, even if pricier.

Training and behavioral change are important aspects: operating cargo bikes necessitates specific training, and regular practices like tire inflation can reduce wear. Groene Rijders, for example, provide targeted training for cargo bike operators. Essential hubs are crucial for integrating cargo bikes into logistics, with transfer hubs on city outskirts needing to be within 4-4.5 km of delivery zones. PostNL uses hubs on business estates for efficient delivery routing.

Smaller Retailers and Specialised Services

Companies like Jopen and Reflower use cargo bikes for local deliveries but on a smaller scale, preferring bundled deliveries to optimize routes. Jopen uses them for local urgent deliveries, while Reflower finds them cost-effective. In service logistics, cargo bikes are useful for transporting tools and materials within a compact area, with maintenance frequency being lower due to less intensive use. Van der Velden, for example, uses cargo bikes for local service calls, emphasizing logistical planning.

Manufacturer and Service Provider Perspectives

DOCKR leases cargo bikes with maintenance and insurance included and advises customers on suitable models. Fulpra produces cargo bikes with high load capacity and durability, using motorcycle components for robustness.

Challenges and Future Prospects

There is a strong need for continued development, such as reducing maintenance needs and costs, and enhancing the reliability of cargo bikes. It is also important to promote a positive image of cargo bikes, which can be achieved through showcasing successful case studies and the benefits of cargo bikes in internal and external communications.

Regulations and Support

Regulatory aspects and subsidies encourage the use of cargo bikes. Regulatory changes should consider the current advantages, like no driving licence requirement, to avoid making cargo bikes less attractive. The brochure also emphasises the role of municipalities in supporting cargo bike usage through policies and infrastructure development.

In summary, the cargo bike presents a viable, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative for urban logistics, with growing potential and support from various stakeholders.