Logistics Industry Has Information Deficit in Cargo Bicycles

There is still a low level of information regarding the use of cargo bicycles across the logistics industry. This is shown by recent data from an online survey conducted as part of the Logistics Barometer Bavaria, carried out jointly by the Logistics Initiative Bavaria and the Cargo Bike Association Germany e.V., and commented on by the PedeListics team from TH Nürnberg.

(Nuremberg/Berlin) Cargo bicycles and cargo trailers have become part of the urban landscape in Germany. They are now indispensable in many areas of parcel delivery. Cities like Munich, Nuremberg, and many other Bavarian and German cities are showing initiatives to establish this environmentally friendly mode of transport more strongly to improve climate protection and traffic safety. However, the use of these vehicles is still largely limited to the areas of courier, express, and parcel logistics, as well as letter delivery. In many logistics segments, cargo bicycles have not yet been established or are only minimally used. This prompted the Logistics Initiative Bavaria and the Cargo Bike Association Germany to investigate the current knowledge level and potential application areas through the industry survey.

Over 100 participants from Bavaria and the Federal Republic took part in the survey conducted in November 2023. The respondents come from all logistics sectors, from intralogistics to traditional freight forwarding. The results are thus well-suited to provide a broad overview of the status of cargo logistics in the industry.

The study results show that two-thirds of the respondents see the application area for cargo bicycles in urban settings. However, one-third also sees potential in the “suburban belt.” Nearly 90% of participants indicate that the operational radius of the vehicles is up to 10 km. This already allows for the use from the city outskirts for trips into the city center or deliveries from the city center to the outskirts in many cities. A potential that respondents particularly see in the logistics sectors of delivery to private customers, private errands, and the last-mile segment. Additionally, a relatively high application potential is indicated by 24% of participants for internal company trips and transport operations.

A relatively low potential arises from the survey data regarding the delivery of commercial customers, commercial procurement trips, own deliveries to commercial customers, and the replacement of company vehicles.

“I am positively surprised. The results clearly show that cargo logistics is perceived as an established variant of delivery in the city and in company transport. However, the number of bicycles in use still significantly lags behind the potential. There needs to be a political prioritization for sustainable transport modes, stronger promotion of the vehicles, and the expansion of safe infrastructure,” interprets Dr. Tom Assmann | Chairman of the Cargo Bike Association Germany | the results.

Only 9 percent feel well informed

One reason could also be the low level of information about cargo bicycles among logistics companies. Only 9% of respondents felt they were well or very well informed about the acquisition costs of the vehicles. For maintenance costs, this figure was even only 5%. Knowledge levels regarding aspects of application possibilities, providers, technology, service, and funding opportunities are even lower. “Logistics is heavily cost-driven. Lack of knowledge, especially regarding the cost structure for cargo bicycle use, is thus a significant barrier for cargo logistics in Germany,” says Dr. Johannes Kraus | Organizer of the study at CNA e.V. | Logistics Initiative Bavaria.

More cargo logistics could also benefit the Bavarian economy. The state is now home to nearly ten highly innovative OEMs of cargo bicycles and trailers, which create future-proof jobs as family businesses or startups. From Augsburg to Würzburg, medium-sized (cargo) logistics companies in many cities demonstrate how logistics, environmental protection, and fair working conditions can work together. Finally, various universities in the Free State are also researching new application concepts for cargo bicycles, for example, in combination with public transport or micro-hubs. Prof. Dr. Ralf Bogdanski, a logistics professor at TH Nürnberg Georg-Simon-Ohm, was able to be recruited for the classification of the study results.

Study Partners Intensify Cooperation

For the study partners, the results provide a good reason to further intensify cooperation. On November 21, 2024, the Logistics Congress | Bavaria of the Logistics Initiative Bavaria | CNA e.V. will take place in Nuremberg. Together with the Cargo Bike Association Germany e.V., efforts will be made here with presentations and regional exhibitors to combat the information deficit on the topic of “cargo logistics.”

Download the survey results here

Photos: © Loginfo24