The Cargo Bike in Dutch Zero Emission Zones for Logistics

In 2025, at least 18 Dutch cities will see the introduction of Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ) for logistics which aim to clean up the urban freight distribution sector. This vital activity, in which goods are transported within the urban area, maintains the functioning of cities and is growing year on year. With the growth in transport movements comes a growth in emissions, which the ZEZ aim to address through a transition period in which polluting vehicles are phased out until only zero emission vehicles can enter the ZEZ in city centers.

To help achieve this transition to a clean urban freight distribution sector, the cargo bike is increasingly being recognised as a mode of transport that can offer a solution to actors moving goods through the ZEZ for logistics. These users of cargo bikes can be categorised as those making deliveries of fresh produce, specialised retail products, express parcels or those moving to provide a facility and service or working in construction. It is expected that by 2025 more than 9,500 cargo bikes will be used in Dutch logistics, whilst demand is expected to quadruple across the EU, helping to bring the global market value for cargo bikes to € 2.4 billion in 2031. With this, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in demand for knowledge regarding cargo bikes in Dutch ZEZ from both the Netherlands and from international actors. The Dutch Cycling Embassy (DCE) has conducted research and presents a report and handout that aim to highlight problems and opportunities that exist regarding the use of cargo bikes as an urban distribution solution.

On October 25th from 15:00 – 16:30, former intern at DCE, Elliot Kelly, will present the report at the International Cargo Bike Festival followed by a panel discussion with Stan de Caluwé (City of Utrecht), Sonja Munnix (RVO), and moderated by Margot Daris (DCE).