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16.07.2012- Cargo Cycle Crazy: 30+ Companies Form Freight Bike Federation

Cycle delivery companies from across Europe have gathered in Cambridge (UK) to form a European “Cycle Logistics” Lobby

July 16, 2012 – Cambridge, United Kingdom - Over 30 companies from across Europe have joined forces to form the “European Cycle Logistics Federation”. During a weekend event, the newly formed federation discussed ways to improve urban delivery and will act as a lobby group to promote cycle based delivery solutions.

“As a group we will be able to influence and convince stakeholders that freight bikes are a feasible option for delivering cargo in congested inner city areas. More cargo bikes delivering goods means less trucks in city centres and safer, liveable streets for people,” says Rob King, founder of the Cambridge based cycle delivery company Outspoken Delivery which hosted the event.

The event received praise from British politicians with Member of Parliament for Cambridge Julian Huppert stating: “Our city, which has the highest number of cyclists riding to and from work and school in the UK and a highly successful bike courier company, is a fitting place for such an event. Any changes that we can put in place to allow freight to be carried by bike have to be worthwhile. This idea has the potential to take vehicles off our roads, easing congestion and cutting carbon emissions. As a keen cyclist, it was very exciting to hear more about such great work.”
 
It also won the interest of academics: “It’s fascinating to be here in the early days of a new logistics paradigm. I see a knowledge community taking shape, defining and addressing shared challenges,” said Proffesor Rachel Aldred, who directs the University of East London’s Sustainable Mobilities Research Group and attended the event.

Participants at the event shared knowledge and experience on how cargo bicycles can reshape urban logistics. Speakers were adamant that cargo style solutions are effective and can shift large volumes of goods. Companies attending the event use cargo cycles which can carry payloads upwards of 250kg.
 
“I started 3 years ago, knowing nothing,” explained Matthew Linnecar CEO at the London-based delivery company GNEWT, which uses cargo bicycles for last-mile delivery.
“Today we’re moving 3000 consignments per day for just one of our clients in London. We very rarely fail a delivery. We’re on time 99.99% of the time. We’re profitable, we’re successful. It’s going the right way.”

The new federation has come about in wake of the EU-funded Cycle Logistics project, which gathers key players in the field to promote cycle based delivery solutions. According to research undertaken by the project, 50% of all light goods, and 25% of all goods could be moved by cycle. Similar studies in Breda (the Netherlands) have found that of the 1900 trucks that go in everyday, less than 10% of the cargo being delivered requires a truck and 40% of deliveries involve one box.
 
The Cycle Logistics Federation has planned to meet on a regular basis to discuss how to get even more goods out of trucks and onto bicycles.

 
—ends—

 Notes to the Editor

Facts and figures about moving goods by cycle can be found at: http://www.ecf.com/wp-content/uploads/Factsheet-ITF2012-CLOG.pdf 

Royalty free images of cargo cycles are available at:

About the Cycle Logistics Project

Running from May 2011 until April 2014 and spanning 12 countries,the EU-funded project Cycle Logistics aims to reduce energy used in urban freight transport by replacing unnecessary motorised vehicles with cargo bikes for intra-urban delivery and goods transport in Europe. The project has helped establish the Cycle Logistics Federation after recognising a demand for such an organisation. The initial meeting of the federation was held on Saturday, July 14 at the  Cambridge Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club. Information about the federation will be available at www.cyclelogistics.eu

The project receives funding from European Commission’s Intelligent Energy program. 

About the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF)

With over 70 members across nearly 40 countries, the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) unites cyclist’ associations from across the globe, giving them a voice on the international level. Our aim is to get more people cycling more often by influencing policy in favour of cycling. ECF is a partner in the Cycle Logistics project. 

See www.ecf.com  for more information

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Last Updated July 16, 2012