Bicycles could replace vans and lorries for two thirds of logistic trips +video

Researchers at the University of Brussels say that 68 per cent of all logistics trips could be carried out by bikes instead of motor vehicles. The findings were revealed at the European Cycle Logistics Conference in Spain.

The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) reports how bikes, cargo bikes and e-bikes could be employed to transport an even greater proportion of goods than had previously been thought. According to ECF project manager, Dr Randy Rzewnicki, The CycleLogistics study carried out by sustainable transport experts at FGM-Amor in Austria had previously estimated a much lower percentage could be moved on two wheels.

“At ECF we have been saying that 51 per cent of urban trips in EU cities could be shifted from cars and trucks and vans. This work at the University of Brussels, combined with results from Amsterdam University suggests there’s significantly more potential to move goods by cycle.”

The findings were revealed by Dr Cathy Macharis, a professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, where her research group MOBI, has been focusing on sustainable logistics, electric and hybrid vehicles and urban mobility.

If you’re questioning these findings, you need only look to YouTube to find countless examples of cyclists carrying surprisingly large loads.

And if that’s not enough for you, consider the video below, in which a fleet of bikes is employed to help someone move house.