The surge in online shopping, accelerated by COVID-19, has driven up the demand for package deliveries, and that demand continues to rise.
As traditional delivery methods contribute to urban traffic congestion and pollution, cargo bikes - a staple of bike-friendly countries like Denmark and the Netherlands - are becoming a common sight in cities across Europe as a sustainable and efficient alternative to vans.
These larger, typically electric bikes with separate carriers can transport a wide range of loads, from small parcels to larger items, making them ideal for urban deliveries.
In Europe, it is estimated that up to 50 per cent of motorised trips involving the transport of goods in cities could be made by cargo bikes and bicycles, according to a recent study.
that must have been some seriously specific circumstances.
Specific as being in an European city.
Not enough space for stopped vans everywhere.
and where do the bikes stop if there is not enough space?
Indoors, mostly. Garages underground that can either house 20–30 cars or literal thousands of bikes. Cargo bikes can stop on sidewalks since they don’t block foot traffic as much as a whole van would.