Room for increased use of cargo bikes in Germany’s logistics industry
Comments Off on Room for increased use of cargo bikes in Germany’s logistics industrySource: SAZ Bike
An industry survey revealed that the use of cargo bikes in the German logistics sector has high potential and room for growth, particularly in urban areas
Across Germany’s logistics industry, there is a lack of widespread knowledge about the use of cargo bikes, which has become evident from data collected in an online survey conducted as part of the Logistics Barometer Bavaria. The survey was organized by the Logistics Initiative Bavaria and the German Bicycle Logistics Association eV, with analysis provided by the PedeListics team at Nuremberg University of Applied Sciences. In November 2023, more than 100 participants from Bavaria and across Germany, representing various logistics sectors from intralogistics to traditional freight forwarding, participated in the survey.
Untapped potential
The study results reveal that two-thirds of respondents see urban areas as the primary application for cargo bikes, while one-third also see potential in suburban areas. Nearly 90 percent of participants stated that the range of these vehicles extends up to ten kilometers. This suggests that in many cities, cargo bikes could be used to transport goods from the outskirts to city centers or vice versa. Respondents particularly identified potential in last-mile logistics, deliveries to private customers, and personal errands. Furthermore, 24 percent of participants highlighted the relevance of cargo bikes for internal company transport. However, there was less enthusiasm for using cargo bikes for commercial deliveries, procurement trips, or business travel replacements.
Tom Assmann, Chairman of the German Bicycle Logistics Association, commented on the findings, saying: “I am positively surprised. The results clearly show that bicycle logistics is perceived as an established option for delivery in the city and in factory traffic. However, the number of bicycles used is still far behind the potential. What is needed here is a political prioritization of sustainable means of transport, stronger promotion of the ramp-up of vehicles and the development of a safe infrastructure,”
One potential reason for the limited use of cargo bikes is the low level of information available to logistics companies. Only nine percent of respondents felt well-informed about the purchase costs of cargo bikes, and just five percent were knowledgeable about maintenance costs. Awareness was even lower regarding aspects such as possible uses, providers, technology, services, and funding opportunities.
The role of bicycle logistics in driving growth
An increase in bicycle logistics could also boost the Bavarian economy. The state is home to several highly innovative manufacturers of cargo bikes and trailers, which are creating sustainable jobs through family businesses and startups. From Augsburg to Würzburg, medium-sized bicycle logistics companies in various cities are demonstrating how logistics, environmental protection, and fair working conditions can work hand in hand. Additionally, several universities in Bavaria are researching new cargo bike deployment concepts, such as integrating them with public transport or micro-hubs.
To address the information gap around bicycle logistics, the Logistics Congress Bavaria, hosted by the Logistics Initiative Bavaria CNA eV, will be held in Nuremberg on November 21, 2024. The event, organized in collaboration with the German Bicycle Logistics Association eV, will feature lectures and regional exhibitors to raise awareness and promote knowledge in this growing field.