Source: Momentum

The cargo bike has increasingly established itself in much of Europe and beyond, proving itself adept at transporting both people and goods in urban and city environments. Its uptake is comparable to the popularity of rickshaws in some global regions, and measures should be taken to encourage and protect the use of cargo bikes in ever-more congested cities.

It is estimated that 70% of the world’s population will be city-dwellers by 2050, and it is inevitable that the pressure on transportation systems will intensify. The cargo bike can be seen as a key solution to a number of urban transport requirements, with their increasing use by logistics companies for last-mile delivery solutions, and as a growing family transport option. However, for continued cargo bike uptake and usage, the right conditions need to be in place.

Misplaced priorities

Cycling magazine Momentum has drawn a parallel between the cargo bike, and the traditional rickshaw which has been widely adopted across Asia since its 19th century invention. Both modes of transport are pedal-powered, with electrically assisted models available as well as purely human-powered options. They are capable of carrying considerable loads – whether goods or passengers – and are designed for easy navigation of urban streets, with zero tailpipe emissions.

Dhaka in Bangladesh was once seen as the world’s rickshaw capital, providing the mode of transport for a large proportion of daily trips. However since 2019 they have been subject to a number of attempted bans and restrictions, on the basis that they slow down motorized traffic. The attempted bans have been met with strong opposition by rickshaw drivers and those who use the services, while Momentum points out that the restrictions expose “deep flaws in urban planning logic that prioritizes cars over people.”

Ingredients for cargo bikes’ survival

The stigmatizing of rickshaws can be viewed as a cautionary tale. Pedal-powered transportation with heavy-duty pulling power, such as cargo bikes, can thrive in urban environments and keep people and goods moving in an efficient and sustainable way. However the right policy attitudes need to be in place: decent, supportive infrastructure, uptake incentives, and reasonable and logical regulations regarding products and their use.