Bicycle logistics on the rise
As part of the ‘Declaration for Bicycle Logistics’, the Belgian Cycle Logistics Federation (BCLF) is committed to promoting bicycle logistics in Belgium. But what exactly does cycle logistics entail and what role does it play in the wider Belgian cycling economy? We spoke to Philippe Van de Casteele ((BCLF's General Manager) about the campaign and incorporated insights from TML's recent study on bicycle logistics.
What exactly is bicycle logistics?
Philippe: ‘Bicycle logistics refers to the professional transport of goods and services with cargo bikes. This goes beyond just delivery: it also includes storage and management of goods flows, offering an all-in-one solution for companies. For professionals such as maintenance and repair technicians, the cargo bike is also a sustainable alternative to urban travel, promoting both efficiency and environmental friendliness.’
TML's study shows that bicycle logistics is a key driver of employment within the bicycle economy. The sector employs more than 7,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, making it one of the largest employers within the cycling sector. This includes independent couriers from the platform economy (think Deliveroo or UberEats) as well as companies that use cargo bikes for local deliveries, such as urbike, bpost, and Cargo Velo. The potential for further growth is huge: 25% of all city deliveries could be made by bike, which would generate almost 9,000 extra FTEs.
How does bicycle logistics contribute to the economy?
Philippe: ‘Bicycle logistics creates new jobs, such as bicycle couriers and logistics planners, often with local recruitment. It also supports the local economy, for example through cooperation with local bicycle maintenance companies. All this contributes to a circular economy and provides quality jobs, ensuring more job security compared to the platform economy. Bicycle logistics also opens up opportunities for innovative startups and new service providers, such as specialised bicycle courier services and cargo bike manufacturers.’
TML's study confirms that bicycle logistics not only creates jobs but also offers significant added value. Cargo bikes are more efficient for deliveries in cities, especially in areas with limited car access. It allows companies to deliver faster and reduce their costs by reducing congestion. They also improve their image by contributing to lower carbon emissions and cleaner air in urban areas.
What does the ‘Declaration for Bicycle Logistics’ entail?
Philippe: ‘The declaration aims to make the potential of bicycle logistics visible, especially now, just before the elections. It is important to convince policymakers of the benefits. By supporting the declaration, we show broad support for sustainable and local logistics solutions that can improve the quality of life in cities. Every signature counts and strengthens our position!’
The declaration is underpinned by five clear objectives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating infrastructure that promotes cargo bikes. TML's study highlights that the growth of bicycle logistics coincides with an increasing demand for sustainable transport options, especially in cities with increasing pressure on mobility and air quality.
How can the campaign contribute to the further growth of the sector?
Philippe: ‘It's about raising awareness. By informing people about the advantages of bicycle logistics, we gain more support and can further professionalise the sector. We also hope to use the campaign to obtain subsidies and better infrastructure, which will make the switch to cargo bikes easier.’
Bicycle logistics thus turns out to be more than a niche: it is a growing sector with great social benefits. By focusing on awareness and policy support, bicycle logistics in Belgium can play a key role in the transition to sustainable urban mobility. The future of urban logistics on two wheels may be closer than thought!
You can sign the Declaration for Bicycle Logistics here.
What exactly is bicycle logistics?
Philippe: ‘Bicycle logistics refers to the professional transport of goods and services with cargo bikes. This goes beyond just delivery: it also includes storage and management of goods flows, offering an all-in-one solution for companies. For professionals such as maintenance and repair technicians, the cargo bike is also a sustainable alternative to urban travel, promoting both efficiency and environmental friendliness.’
TML's study shows that bicycle logistics is a key driver of employment within the bicycle economy. The sector employs more than 7,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, making it one of the largest employers within the cycling sector. This includes independent couriers from the platform economy (think Deliveroo or UberEats) as well as companies that use cargo bikes for local deliveries, such as urbike, bpost, and Cargo Velo. The potential for further growth is huge: 25% of all city deliveries could be made by bike, which would generate almost 9,000 extra FTEs.
How does bicycle logistics contribute to the economy?
Philippe: ‘Bicycle logistics creates new jobs, such as bicycle couriers and logistics planners, often with local recruitment. It also supports the local economy, for example through cooperation with local bicycle maintenance companies. All this contributes to a circular economy and provides quality jobs, ensuring more job security compared to the platform economy. Bicycle logistics also opens up opportunities for innovative startups and new service providers, such as specialised bicycle courier services and cargo bike manufacturers.’
TML's study confirms that bicycle logistics not only creates jobs but also offers significant added value. Cargo bikes are more efficient for deliveries in cities, especially in areas with limited car access. It allows companies to deliver faster and reduce their costs by reducing congestion. They also improve their image by contributing to lower carbon emissions and cleaner air in urban areas.
What does the ‘Declaration for Bicycle Logistics’ entail?
Philippe: ‘The declaration aims to make the potential of bicycle logistics visible, especially now, just before the elections. It is important to convince policymakers of the benefits. By supporting the declaration, we show broad support for sustainable and local logistics solutions that can improve the quality of life in cities. Every signature counts and strengthens our position!’
The declaration is underpinned by five clear objectives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating infrastructure that promotes cargo bikes. TML's study highlights that the growth of bicycle logistics coincides with an increasing demand for sustainable transport options, especially in cities with increasing pressure on mobility and air quality.
How can the campaign contribute to the further growth of the sector?
Philippe: ‘It's about raising awareness. By informing people about the advantages of bicycle logistics, we gain more support and can further professionalise the sector. We also hope to use the campaign to obtain subsidies and better infrastructure, which will make the switch to cargo bikes easier.’
Bicycle logistics thus turns out to be more than a niche: it is a growing sector with great social benefits. By focusing on awareness and policy support, bicycle logistics in Belgium can play a key role in the transition to sustainable urban mobility. The future of urban logistics on two wheels may be closer than thought!
You can sign the Declaration for Bicycle Logistics here.
