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European cargo bike delivery companies are to form an organization, the European Cycle Logistics Federation. The group is seeking out interested parties from across Europe.
"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," said Rob King, founder of cycle-based delivery company Outspoken Delivery of the UK.
The move has come about in wake of the EU-funded Cycle Logistics project, which has gathered key players in the field to promote cycle products for the transportation of goods and services.
According to the United Nations, the world is undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in history with more than half of the world’s population living in an urban areas.
The EU Funded Cycle Logistics project states that “almost 100% of goods transport within cities is done by motorised vehicles, ranging from personal cars to commercial lorries.” It believes 25 percent of all these trips could be shifted from motorised vehicles towards cycle-related solutions.
Gary Armstrong, Business Development Manager of Outspoken Delivery and organizer of the proposed Cycle Logistics Federation, believes that pedal driven delivery could play a big role in urban transport:
"Freight bikes can deliver to inner city centres which vans and lorries cannot easily access. And in many cities cargo bikes probably quicker as they can cut through and bypass congestion. In addition freight bikes are very cost competitive against a van and have very green credentials with zero carbon emissions."
By creating a professional body of cycle logistics companies, the European Cycle Logistics Federation will highlight best practice, share knowledge and experience, establish a lobby group to influence relevant stakeholders, establish appropriate information resources, and identify opportunities for shared promotions.
A one-day inaugural conference for the proposed group is planned to be held in Cambridge in July 2012.
