Efficient Solution for Last-Mile
Efficient Solution for Last-Mile
Urban freight transport accounts for a significant portion of miles traveled in cities, making it a costly and polluting part of the logistics chain. The rise of online shopping and home delivery is driving businesses to increase investments in logistics and transportation to reduce downtime, save money, and improve customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the increased demand for eco-friendly products and customer sensitivity to shorter supply chain routes means the market for cargo bikes is expected to grow around 15% per year to 2030, according to industry research firm MMR.
(*The "last mile" is the part of the delivery route that leads from the last handling point to the final address).
Cargo bikes help reduce air and noise pollution while improving public spaces in congested urban areas. For businesses, they offer economic advantages, such as lower fuel, insurance, and parking costs. The 3rd European Cargo Bike Survey Results 2022, revealed cargo bikes could replace more than 50% of motorised freight trips in European cities, which could be higher with electric assistance. Studies have shown in dense urban areas like London and Paris, cargo bikes outperform vans with faster average speeds. They can cut through traffic congestion by taking shortcuts in streets closed to cars and use bus lanes and cycle paths.
Although cargo bikes offer numerous benefits, their widespread adoption faces several challenges. High-density requirements and associated expenses can limit their implementation on a larger scale. While micro-hubs located near densely populated areas can address supply chain issues, it's important to consider counterarguments related to limited capacity for large-scale deliveries and the operational difficulties in hilly terrains. Moreover, unfavorable weather conditions such as freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and heavy rain can pose challenges for cargo bike riders.
However, one potential solution to encourage wider adoption is the development of cargo bikes equipped with rain protection and heating systems. By incorporating such features, cargo bikes can overcome bad weather and provide a reliable delivery solution throughout the year.
Ensuring the safety of cargo bike riders, as well as the general public, is paramount. For ten years already, Baloise has conducted extensive tests with road safety experts, to fully explore the consequences of accidents involving cargo bikes. Crash tests have shown the need for measures such as comprehensive rider training, the use of safety equipment like helmets and reflective clothing, and the implementation of strict traffic regulations to enhance safety on the roads. Moreover, the creation of dedicated cycling infrastructure, including protected bike lanes and intersection designs that prioritize cyclist safety, can substantially reduce the risks associated with cargo bike operations.
«With governmental support, infrastructure development, and legislation to ensure safety and working conditions for cargo bike riders, the question at hand is not whether cargo bikes should become a prominent fixture in the local delivery landscape, but rather when this transition will take place.»
Despite these challenges, this growing trend holds huge potential for addressing environmental concerns and reducing emissions while improving urban logistics. With governmental support, infrastructure development, and legislation to ensure safety and working conditions for cargo bike riders, the question at hand is not whether cargo bikes should become a prominent fixture in the local delivery landscape, but rather when this transition will take place. To successfully integrate cargo bikes into our urban environments, policymakers and stakeholders must reassess their priorities. Safety should be put at the forefront to foster market growth, and incentives for the adoption of cargo bikes should be promoted. By embracing these approaches, we can effectively integrate cargo bikes into existing delivery systems and pave the way for a sustainable and efficient future.