Rising demand for cargo bikes

Cargo bikes are increasingly becoming a viable alternative to using lorries and vans for deliveries in town and city centres, believes Gary Armstrong of cycle based delivery firm Outspoken Delivery. He points out that research by the EU funded CycleLogistics project has shown that up to 25% of goods currently transported by motor vehicles could be shifted to cargo bikes. Outspoken, based in Cambridge, currently provides collection and delivery services to over 200 customers and works with international carriers on last-mile initiatives.

“Although not new, the cargo bike is increasingly being used by both individuals and commercial organisations in urban areas,” says Armstrong. “The changing urban landscape is putting increasing pressure on vans and lorries to adopt alternatives, and research suggests the cargo bike is a realistic and desirable solution.”

Logistics firms are finding the “first and last miles of a parcel's journey are a serious headache”, notes Armstrong. Faced with parking fines, delivery deadlines, congested streets and restricted access, conditions are becoming more stressful for drivers and costly for the freight industry, he says. 

In a recent report the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport UK suggested that consolidation centres could offer a solution by making urban deliveries more efficient and removing unnecessary vans and lorries from city centres. 

“But consolidation centres are only part of the solution – innovative approaches also need to be introduced to get goods from the hub to the final customer,” argues Armstrong. 

The growth of cycle freight, along with practical examples from Cambridge and Leeds, will be the focus of a Cycle City session. 

There will also be a presentation highlighting how councils can encourage and support cycle logistics, and how current EU funded projects such as CycleLogistics are supporting cycle freight initiatives.