The Perspective of Cargo Bikes in the Sustainable Supply Chain

Purpose: The research aim is to analyse the potential of cargo bikes as an element of city logistics. The research investigates the perspective of using cargo bikes for sustainable urban freight transport by comparing bicycle infrastructure in 15 cities. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article uses qualitative research methods: an analysis of literature on cargo bikes; and a case study for cycle infrastructures in selected cities. The article's first part is based on exploring the literature on European transport strategies and policy. Then, a comprehensive literature review of cargo bikes was conducted with a particular focus on the benefits and challenges of cargo bike usage (for cities and logistics companies). The last part of the paper explores bicycle infrastructure in selected cities. Findings: This study's results confirmed that cities considered model cycling cities in the literature also performed best in this study. Moreover, adequate bicycle infrastructure seems to be necessary to encourage logistics companies to choose this mean of transport. Practical Implications: The research results and recommendations provide valuable guidance for city planners who are responsible for transport infrastructure and sustainable transport development. Furthermore, the research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on cargo bike usage by logistics companies. Originality/Value: This paper improves understanding of how to develop cycle logistics to reduce the adverse impacts of urban goods deliveries without reducing the quality of city living. Replacing cargo deliveries with bicycles has much greater potential in cities that have adequate bicycle infrastructure.