The Status Quo and Potential of Cycle Logistics: Technologies, Business Models and Societal Trends

A global shift to carbon-neutrality requires an increased share of emission-free transportation means in the modal split. One such sustainable mode of transport are bicycles and other pedaled vehicles, which are increasingly used for freight services from parcel deliveries to intralogistics operations. This article discusses the status quo and provides a cycle logistics foresight. To do so, it reflects upon key dimensions of foresight: Technologies, business models and societal trends. It summarizes and analyzes currently available technologies, as well as technologies under development. It furthermore examines logistics operations that are already carried out by pedaled vehicles today and assesses possible business model innovations that might result in additional opportunities for cycle logistics. Finally, it takes a critical look at societal trends and how they will benefit or hinder the future use of cycles for logistics operations. As a result, the article provides an overview of the sector, as well as potentials and possible hurdles for cycle logistics in future.