Exploring the future of last mile delivery: Call for papers for RGS-IBG conference 2025

Source: Billy Clayton

The RGS-IBG Annual Conference 2025 is set to take place in Birmingham, UK, from August 26-29, under the theme “Geographies of Creativity.” As part of this prestigious event, a proposed session titled “E-Cargo Cycles: A Creative Future for Last-Mile Delivery?” is inviting paper submissions.

This in-person session will delve into the evolving landscape of e-cargo-bike deliveries, an area of increasing significance within sustainable transport research. The session aims to identify research gaps, explore new opportunities, and foster collaboration among researchers and practitioners. Additionally, it seeks to establish an informal network of academics and industry professionals working within this burgeoning field to enhance interest and visibility for e-cargo bike delivery research.

Potential Areas of Contribution

The session welcomes diverse perspectives on e-cargo cycles and their role in last-mile delivery. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Comparative analyses of e-cargo cycles with other sustainable freight solutions such as electric and diesel vans, micro-mobility alternatives, and drones.
• Scalability and supply chain integration, including their role in consolidation hubs and broader logistics networks.
• Business models and large-scale implementation of e-cargo cycle logistics.
• Long-term research on the feasibility and scalability of e-cargo cycles for major businesses and various urban settings.
• Case studies highlighting real-world implementation and performance assessments.
• Workforce perspectives, encompassing rider experience, health and safety, socio-demographic considerations, and implications for the gig economy.
• Infrastructure and policy considerations, including urban planning, cycle lane integration, low-emission zones (LEZs), and government subsidies.
• Consumer acceptance, willingness to use, and the economic viability of e-cargo cycle delivery services.

Submission Guidelines

Researchers, PhD students, and practitioners with expertise in transport and mobility studies are encouraged to submit their work. To apply, please email the session convenors with the following details by Monday 3 March 2025:

• Paper title
• Author(s), affiliations, and email addresses
• Presenter(s) (in-person participation required)
• Abstract (up to 300 words)

Session Convenors

• Dr. Billy Clayton – Centre for Transport and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol
  Email: William2.clayton@uwe.ac.uk
• Dr. Daniela Paddeu – Centre for Transport and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol
  Email: Daniela.paddeu@uwe.ac.uk

The organizers look forward to receiving submissions and an engaging conversation on the creative potential of e-cargo cycles in last-mile logistics.

Find out more about the RGS-IBG conference here.