Freight distribution is an important part of modern city life, and as it becomes more popular, we need to think carefully about its environmental costs. 

Urban freight traffic accounts for roughly 10-15% of kilometres travelled and emits approximately 6% of all transport related GHG emissions. A growing number of people also order goods online. 

Urban freight has slowly been shifting from polluting forms of transportation to greener, electric alternatives. This video case study focuses on cargo bikes and the European Commission funded CIVTAS City Changer Cargo Bike (CCCB) project. The CCCB project brings together cities, research institutions, NGOs and industries from across Europe to try and achieve a faster, more cost-effective and larger scale deployment of cargo bikes.

Focusing on the key city of Mechelen, Belgium,  this video includes interviews with the CEO of Cycling Industries Europe, Kevin Mayne, Project Coordinator of the City of Mechelen, Veerle De Meyer, CCCB project coordinator, Mauranne Belmans, and European Cyclists’ Federation, Anna-Karina Reibold.