Conference Papers 2022

Seminar
Day 3 (9 Sep 2022), Session 10, SUSTAINABLE URBAN FREIGHT TRANSPORT, 14:00 - 16:00

Status
Accepted, documents submitted

Submitted by / Abstract owner
Paul Smith

Authors
Lawrence Penn, WSP

Short abstract
Decarbonisation of freight movements will provide positive impacts in urban areas and e-cargo bikes can form part of the solution. This paper presents a role for this new mode and recommends measures to support wider uptake.

Abstract
Whilst passenger transportation progresses towards decarbonisation by embracing active and sustainable modes, the same is not yet true for freight and logistics, which still uses vans and lorries for delivery and servicing activities. However, in recent years there has been raised interest in e-cargo bikes to replace vans in urban areas. The full potential of e-cargo bikes is yet to be unlocked. This is due in part to a lack of awareness and knowledge over application and commercial risks in departing the from the well-established business-as-usual approach.
WSP has been working the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to design and deliver innovative trials aimed at proving efficacy of e-cargo bikes across a variety of use cases. These range from grounds maintenance and logistics, through to provision as a shared asset alongside other micromobility offerings such as shared bikes and e-scooters. Potential for use with new and emerging technologies is also demonstrated.
Policy levers such as Clean Air Zones and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods require businesses to adapt to additional levies and the increasing impermeability of urban areas for commercial vehicles. E-cargo bikes offer a potential solution and could fill the gaps and disparities created by the implementation of such policies as they create no emissions, they can make use of cycling infrastructure and they have a much lesser impact on local amenity than their diesel-powered competitors.
However, e-cargo bikes are not a complete solution, and their introduction must be targeted to enable them to capitalise on their unique advantages, whilst accepting that traditional modes will continue to play a significant role whilst we transition towards net zero. There is also the challenge of improving fleet management and the process of collecting high quality data to inform decision-making and showcasing the value of e-cargo bikes versus conventional forms of freight transportation.
There is an emerging role for public authorities in creating the conditions for organisations can innovate. Introducing new ideas to business can be risky in terms of investment and operational efficiency, so it is important to reduce the risks for those wishing to participate and to provide the necessary guidance, awareness and best practice developed through our own research and trials.

Programme committee
Freight and Logistics

Topic
Behaviour Change – the impacts of the climate emergency and COVID-19 on long term travel patterns