Four Associations Establish New Coordination Working Group for Cargo Bikes

The number of cargo bikes sold annually in Germany has increased sixfold since 2016. More and more manufacturers and models are entering the market for various applications, benefiting from the transformation in urban logistics as well as the cargo bike boom in private use.

(Berlin) Cargo bikes have now become a part of the street scene and will increasingly shape it. The topic is also gaining importance in politics, as shown by the target set by Federal Minister of Transport Andreas Scheuer of 30 percent delivery by cargo bikes on the last mile and the expanded cargo bike funding by the Federal Ministry for the Environment at the beginning of the year.

In December 2020, the Working Group on Cargo Bikes (KGAG Cargo Bikes) was established as a cross-association body. Currently, three associations are represented: the Federal Association Future Bicycle (BVZF), the Bicycle Logistics Association Germany (RLVD), and the Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV). Since April, BdKEP has also been a member of the working group.

The goal of the working group is to coordinate cross-association work on industry-relevant topics such as standardization, funding, and infrastructure expansion. Joint statements will be developed, and events will be held. In addition to the knowledge exchange among the associations, the Cargo Bikes Working Group will channel political work on this future topic.

The organization of the KGAG Cargo Bikes is managed by Jonas Kremer (citkar GmbH). The representatives of the associations are:

RLVD: Tom Assmann (Speaker of the Standardization Working Group / Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg)

BVZF: Jakub Kopinski (Board BVZF/Punta Velo), Jonas Kremer (Head of the Cargo Transport Working Group of BVZF/Speaker of the Political Working Group of RLVD/citkar)

ZIV: Anke Schäffner (Head of Politics & Advocacy ZIV)

BdKEP: Andreas Schumann (Chairman BdKEP)

The KGAG Cargo Bikes meets regularly and started its work in January 2021. Members of the associations can join the KGAG Cargo Bikes for free and participate in the regular meetings.

About BVZF:

The Federal Association Future Bicycle (BVZF) is an association of dynamic and innovative companies from all areas of the bicycle industry: service providers, manufacturers, retailers, digitalization start-ups, and suppliers. To strengthen the bicycle in all its variations – from folding bikes to covered e-cargo bikes – we contribute our market expertise to the political decision-making processes through our association activities.

About RLVD:

The Bicycle Logistics Association Germany e.V. (RLVD) aims to promote the use of modern cargo bikes and cargo bike trailers in logistics.

About ZIV:

The Bicycle Industry Association is the national representative and service provider for the German and international bicycle, e-bike, components, and accessories industry. As an industry association, it represents around 100 member companies to legislators, government, authorities, media, institutions, and organizations.

About BdKEP:

BdKEP is the political interest representation of medium-sized courier, express, postal, and parcel services (KEP). The association represents over 3,000 direct members, including city couriers, regional postal services, cargo bike couriers, direct couriers, and pharmaceutical couriers, as well as medium-sized platform providers and software providers. The association advocates for non-discriminatory market access for medium-sized companies. The joint representation of interests is important both in the widespread work as subcontractors for globally operating corporations and as the strong voice of medium-sized businesses towards politics and administration.

Photo: © Citkar