Cargo bikes save an average of 95% and 82% more carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per kilometre than diesel vans and electric vans respectively, according to findings from UK cargo bike delivery network Zedify.
The company’s 2023 Impact Report also shows that the company saved some 202 tonnes of CO2e and 426kg of NOx in 2023.
Zedify’s report claims that urban last-mile delivery emissions could, without intervention, reach 25 million tonnes of CO2e emitted annually by 2030.
Zedify’s co-founder and CEO, Rob King, said: “Creating measurable change in UK cities is why we founded Zedify and it’s why we continue to push ahead with our mission to roll out the lowest carbon delivery model possible.
“Our commitment to zero-emission deliveries is crucial in preventing the release of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere and our latest report shows that cargo bikes are an incredibly effective way of doing that.
“They outperform the next best alternative- EVs- when it comes to CO2e emissions in the last mile and so it’s no surprise that cargo bikes are becoming an increasingly popular delivery option for brands looking to improve their sustainability efforts and do their bit when it comes to the UK reaching net zero.”
Zedify has started to manufacture its own cargo trikes incorporating reconditioned batteries.
King added: “If up to 7.5% of urban motorised traffic could be shifted to cargo bikes, and if the UK was able to replace urban diesel van journeys with cargo bikes at this rate, this could have a greater impact than ceasing all domestic aviation emissions.”
Achievements and innovations in last-mile logistics will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
