New research shows that by 2030, the demand for last-mile urban delivery services is expected to grow by 78%, leading to a 36% increase of delivery vehicles in circulation and an added 11 minutes to the average daily commute. Cargo bikes can be instrumental in avoiding these negative impacts.

The Benefits of Cargo Bikes Quantified

The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) report on “the first and last mile” highlights that “walking or cycling the first, last or only mile provide the greatest societal benefits”, recommending “a modal shift towards environmentally friendly delivery modes such as cargo bikes” as one of the strategies to relieve the environmental burden of e-commerce.

Cargo bikes tackle many urban ills ranging from logistics and traffic issues to wider environmental and societal risks, all while providing a new perception of mobility, and quality of life. Research from the CityChangerCargoBike (CCCB) project reveals that cargo bikes outmatch traditional delivery vans in almost every respect. While urban delivery trips account for 15% of all urban trips, their share of energy use currently amounts to 30% of all urban transport energy consumption. Cargo bikes, on the other hand, are a zero-emission transport option powered by humans. In fact, a single cargo bike replacing a diesel transporter saves 5 tons of CO2 per year, making them one of the most effective tools for achieving the EU goal of CO2 free city logistics by 2030.

E-commerce is not only taking its toll on the environment; it is redefining human spaces as they are becoming one of the scarcest resources in cities. Cargo bikes utilize a denser road network, need less parking space, and they are faster on short distances (up to 4km). The good news is, plenty of space becomes available once heavy transport vehicles are removed from streets. And sustainable transport also means safer transport. The large-scale uptake of cargo bikes is an active safety measure as it will reduce the number of vans and trucks, which are currently responsible for 14% of fatal collisions.

Find out more about the benefits of riding a cargo bike: 20 Good Reasons to Ride a Cargo Bike

What does the Future Hold?

Business as usual is not an option. Without intervention, the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts e-commerce related traffic to “pose severe challenges to cities” and, by 2030, delivery vehicle emissions could reach 25 million tons of CO2 emitted annually.

Cargo bikes are enjoying a renaissance and major publications are recognising their far-reaching potential as fuel-free vehicles, which “could bring even more benefits to our cities than other disruptive technologies.” The EEA report reflects a similar “cautious view of the contribution that innovations such as delivery drones or autonomous vehicles will make to sustainable urban mobility” arguing that their development is still in the early stages and their timing is uncertain.

Cycling is a readily available solution with massive growth potential. About 32% of all delivery trips and 50% of all service trips could be done by cargo bike. The Deloitte Technology, Media & Telecommunications Predictions 2020 report predicts cycling to be the future of urban transport explaining that electric cargo bikes could become a preferred solution for last-mile delivery in cities with the potential to undertake tens of billions of yearly deliveries worldwide:

“E-bikes may soon start to invade the niche currently occupied by automobiles thanks to their convenience, utility, and relatively low cost.  Electric cargo bikes, in fact, could become a preferred solution for last-mile delivery in cities. (…) In the near term, standard-sized delivery trucks could get squeezed out by e-cargo bikes.”

One thing is certain, cargo bikes are a sure-fire success, and their potential is yet to be exploited. New delivery models will take their place on European roads and the future is likely to be powered by the pedal.