Bike Logistics Conference aims to capitalize on the momentum for e-cargo bikes

The Bicycle Logistics Association of Germany (RLVD) has announced the second edition of the National Bicycle Logistics Conference for the fall. From September 28 to 29, industry experts will discuss the latest developments in this booming segment in Frankfurt am Main, following the inaugural event in Berlin in 2019. Bicycle logistics continue to gain importance during the pandemic. "Especially in times of growing online trade and the coronavirus pandemic, emission-free bicycle logistics relieve city centers and contribute to climate protection. For the crisis-stricken retail sector, bicycle logistics offer new sales opportunities through innovative same-day delivery services," the organizers advocate.

The organizers are significantly supported by the Green-led Hessian Ministry of Transport. Logistics concepts involving modern e-cargo bikes have great potential in urban delivery traffic. Hessian Minister of Transport Tarek Al-Wazir (Greens) expects the conference to provide an impetus for climate-friendly goods transport. Increasing conflicts are being observed in city centers.

"When pedestrians, cyclists, delivery services, and motorized traffic compete for limited street space, it serves neither safety nor quality of stay. There are already innovative concepts. The Bicycle Logistics Conference provides visibility for them," the Green politician promotes.

Other conference partners include the city of Frankfurt am Main and the Frankfurt University of Applied Science. For Klaus Oesterling, transport officer of the city of Frankfurt am Main, the effects of delivery traffic, in terms of pollutant and CO2 emissions as well as traffic flow, are particularly evident on the last mile.

"Cities urgently need more flexible solutions that lead to greater sustainability in transport logistics. Therefore, we look forward to the Bicycle Logistics Conference with great anticipation."

For Professor Dr. Dennis Knese of the Frankfurt University of Applied Science, providing scientific support for the conference is even part of the research mandate. He sees bicycle logistics as a central component in making urban freight transport more ecologically and economically sustainable in the future. At the new Chair of Bicycle Traffic, bicycle logistics has therefore been established as a research focus. From the perspective of RLVD Chairman and cargo bike logistics expert Martin Schmidt, bicycle logistics require different infrastructure and concepts than classical logistics. Politics and municipalities must set the right framework conditions for this.

"We bicycle logisticians need to show what we need and what we can achieve. We are therefore looking forward to the cooperation with the Hessian Ministry of Transport and the conference location Frankfurt am Main with its exciting bicycle logistics actors," said Schmidt.

The association also points to two recent publications that reflect the current state. Recently, RLVD published a code of conduct for commercial cargo bikes and trailers in road traffic. The association aims to prevent large cargo bikes from becoming a burden for other/weaker road users. Additionally, the industry report on bicycle logistics provided a summary of the services offered by the 100 bicycle logistics companies with their 2,600 employees and 76 million euros in revenue. The sister magazines LOGISTRA and VISION mobility are once again acting as media partners for the event.