Biking the Goods
Conventionally, the distribution of goods and services in North American cities have mainly relied on diesel-powered internal combustion engine vehicles. The recent developments in electromobility have provided an opportunity to reduce some of the negative externalities generated by urban logistics systems.
Cargo e-bikes—electric cycles specially designed for cargo transportation—represent an alternative environmentally friendly and safer mode for delivering goods and services in urban areas. However, lack of infrastructure, legal uncertainties, and a cultural and economic attachment to motorized vehicles has hindered their adoption.
Cities play a crucial role in reducing these barriers and creating a leveled playing field where cargo e-bikes can be essential to urban logistics systems.
In collaboration with PeopleForBikes, we designed the Biking the Goods guide to
- inform urban planners about what are cargo e-bikes
- identify case studies of successful cargo e-bike deployments
- identify actionable strategies cities can take to encourage their adoption while guaranteeing safety for all road users
You can download the white paper HERE
Giacomo Dalla Chiara
Research Scientist
My research interests include urban logistics, behavioral mobility, transportation systems.
