After launching our e-cargo bike delivery service last year, Russell and team have carried medical supplies, computer equipment, documents, children’s bikes, parcels and foodstuffs, and Russell says he’s increasingly hearing from businesses, like Zed’s Wholefoods in Nether Edge, concluding that bike deliveries are likely to save them money.
“Van deliveries are getting more expensive, but a bicycle is not effected by the cost of petrol or diesel in addition to the driver, a bike delivery is just the cost of a person, so it’s by far the most financially efficient form of delivery service, particularly for short journeys,” he said.
Nicola Newman of Zed’s made a similar conclusion
“We want to do things as eco as possible, and doing deliveries by bike looks like a great way to do that. Fuel prices are rising and I’m concerned about having to pass that cost on to the customers, so we’re trying out bike deliveries on some of our routes to see if it can provide a solution that doesn’t cost the customer any more,” she said. “It may even become cheaper in future as fuel costs go up, so it’s a win win situation.”
Delivery customers are looking at the time and cost involved in taking goods by van through congested city streets as well as fuel costs, and recognise that their customers will value their goods arriving in a way that doesn’t add to Sheffield’s congestion and air pollution. Some businesses are looking into electric vehicles as next spring’s Clean Air Zone approaches in Sheffield city centre. But urban transport experts note that e-vans do nothing to tackle congestion, and their heavier weight often increase pollution from particulates from brakes and tires.
Also, the lack of charging infrastructure and the high cost of e-vans may well lead to savvier businesses weighing up the costs and benefits and choosing bikes instead for their last mile or smaller loads. (An e-cargo bike currently costs around 10p to charge up for a day or two’s riding, whereas an e-vehicle can cost up to £20 or more for a single charge).
Nicola Newman says she sells general groceries ‘with a health food, ethical or ecological twist’, and believes customers will appreciate how bike deliveries can help support local shops at a time when they’re under threat from huge national supermarkets.
“We know people like to see their neighbourhoods bustling, with independent shops, and supporting local businesses like ours, and Russell's bike service is one way of ensuring our local neighbourhoods thrive.”
“The bike is a local form of transport,” said Russell. “People might be surprised when I turn up with their stuff on a bike, but at least they know it’s not coming from a warehouse somewhere on the M1.” “
Find out about our delivery service here.