Sixth episode of the MED COLOURS’ social column dedicated to the topic of resilient and sustainable urban logistics. Once a month, via our social channels, we suggest articles, insights and studies of particular interest to the topics related to the project, with the aim of increasing knowledge related to the topics, and stimulating debate and knowledge exchange, which are essential ingredients for the achievement of our project goals.
This month’s article focuses on how can Cargo Bike Sharing transform Urban Mobility?
At the heart of modern cities, Sustainable Mobility is one of the most pressing challenges to reduce pollution and improve quality of life. An innovative solution for Urban Logistics comes from Cargo Bike Sharing, a system that provides shared Cargo Bikes as an efficient alternative to motor vehicles for Urban Logistics and daily transportation.
A recent study conducted by Kaja Zimmermann and Yuliya Voytenko Palgan from the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University analysed two successful cases in Austria and Germany, demonstrating that cargo bikes could replace up to 51% of intra-urban motorized trips. This not only reduces CO2 emissions but also improves urban life quality by decreasing traffic and noise pollution.
However, challenges remain: limited bike availability, organizational complexity, and the lack of adequate infrastructure are significant obstacles. To overcome these barriers, greater public support and the adoption of innovative strategies to engage a broader audience are essential.
The MED COLOURS Project is also testing solutions like cargo bike sharing to enhance sustainable urban logistics! MED COLOURS involves six cities (Livorno, Cesena, Thessaloniki, Koper, Lisbon, and Lyon) in the implementation of five Pilot Actions and six Sustainable Urban Logistics Plans. The objective? To drive the transition toward smart, low-carbon cities through innovative logistics practices.
🔍 Are you curious to learn more about the opportunities of cargo bike sharing and the strategies for a greener urban future? Explore the full study and discover how the MED COLOURS project is leading the way toward Sustainable Mobility!
🔗 Read the full study “Upscaling cargo bike sharing in cities: A comparative case study”.
