Hospitals and universities in Bristol are trialling e-cargo bikes as part of a year-long project to study sustainable urban freight options.
With £920,000 investment from the West of England Combined Authority, the pilot aims to encourage pedal power with more goods and services delivered by e-cargo bikes rather than diesel vans.
While the trial will run from June 2022 to June 2023, the four types of e-cargo bikes on offer were showcased at a ‘try before you trial’ event. Bristol Royal Infirmary, the University of the West of England and other trial participants attended along with the region’s metro mayor Dan Norris.
Using GPS trackers, the trial will monitor the carbon savings of the “fast, reliable, and clean bikes”. With recent estimates suggesting e-cargo bikes deliver about 60% faster than diesel vans and cut carbon emissions by 90%. The mayor said the bikes will mean less pollution and congestion across the West of England, which is good for the environment and good for the region.
“If we are going to reach our ambitious net-zero targets, we urgently need to put on the brakes and re-evaluate how goods move across our region,” Norris added.
“I’ve spoken to many smaller businesses who sing the praises of electric bikes but getting these larger organisations to sign up is a significant step. From groceries to medical supplies, e-cargo bikes can help cut congestion and clean up our toxic air. That’s a win-win for our region.”
The Urban Freight Project is just one of a series of initiatives being tested out as part of the combined authority’s Future Transport Zone.
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