Achieving more sustainability with cargo bikes

Global warming is a phenomenon we are confronted with almost daily. The consequences of rising temperatures and reduced heat circulation on our blue planet are already being felt in many places. Some regions suffer from heavy rainfall and flooding, others from heat waves and extreme drought.

Cities in particular - where four out of five Europeans live today - suffer from high temperatures as well as rising sea levels and (so far) have little to counteract them. Forecasts predict that in some cities the average temperature will increase by more than four degrees Celsius. The result will be hot days and hot spells, which will further exacerbate the heat island effect1. This will not remain without consequences - for example for the health and needs of the population. Their demand for cooling energy and clean water will probably increase significantly in the medium term.

Cycling for CO2 reduction

Experts believe that global warming can no longer be stopped, at most it can be slowed down. And each and every one of us can take action - especially when it comes to mobility. Switching from a car to a cargo bike is one way to improve your own carbon footprint: If you cycle around 20 kilometres a day instead of using a car, you can save around 800 kilograms of CO2 a year. In addition, cycling keeps the air clean - especially in urban centres.

Already a reality in more and more companies

"Cargo bikes are politically desired and have long been in use in many companies" says VSC.Bike Managing Director Raik Vollmann. "The environmentally friendly bikes are often part of the corporate social responsibility strategy, good for the image and a message to customers and partners: 'We care about the environment - and are taking action'," Vollmann adds.  Moreover, in times of fine dust alerts and driving bans, they are a useful alternative to ensure mobility in urban traffic. The Cargobikes are suitable for companies in numerous sectors, for example logistics companies and transport service providers, delivery services, craft businesses or gardening and landscaping companies. More and more manufacturers are also paying attention to their ecological footprint in the supply chains and production of cargo bikes.

Cost saving and flagship

Switching to a cargo bike is not only good for a company's carbon footprint, but also has positive economic effects. The purchase and maintenance costs of cargo bikes are lower than those of cars and trucks. Moreover, the purchase of cargo bikes is subsidised by public funding. Avoiding traffic jams, fewer red lights and reaching the destination faster: delivery by cargo bike also promises companies time savings. At the same time, the cargo bike can be a good "advertising medium" that visibly demonstrates the commitment to the environment and climate.

Contributing to the transport transition

Companies that switch to a cargo bike contribute to the transport revolution. Only if this succeeds Germany will reach the climate goals of the Paris Agreement. However, the transport sector has not contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the last 25 years - a change in mobility is an important and long overdue step.

The food security of the population will probably also depend on the reduction of CO2 emissions: From 2050 onwards, the risk of serious impacts on harvests and fluctuations in annual yields increases, according to observers. Climate change has a direct impact on many aspects of nutrition - such as access to food and the stability of its prices. Time to switch!

You too can take the first step towards a change in transport! Arrange a test ride for your individual cargo bike - our experts are happy to help.

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1 The "heat island effect" typically occurs in urban climates. It means that in urban agglomerations higher air temperatures prevail near the ground compared to the rural environment.