The shared cargo bike is to partly replace the car and therefore Utrecht wants to significantly increase the offer

There are currently 135 shared cargo bikes in Utrecht and in three years there should be 375. In addition, from next year the municipality wants to start a trial with shared cargo bikes that do not have to be returned in the same place, as is currently the case. “Those who take a shared cargo bike can sometimes leave the car behind,” says Alderman Lot van Hooijdonk.

The 135 shared cargo bikes from provider Cargoroo that are now in the city are used on average more than once a day, according to the municipality. In addition, various studies have shown that trips with these cargo bikes replace a car trip in half of the cases. For the above reasons, among others, the number of shared cargo bikes in Utrecht will increase to 180 vehicles in the coming months.

Permit

The cooperation agreement with Cargoroo expires at the end of this year. The new permit, which will come into effect early next year, stipulates that a maximum of 800 shared cargo bikes can be parked in the city. However, this does not mean that as many cargo bikes will have to be placed immediately from 2024, but it does provide room for growth. For example, the city executive plans to increase the number to 375 bicycles in 2026.

It is not yet known whether these shared cargo bikes will also be provided by Cargoroo. A part will be selected this year which can provide cargo bikes until 2027, with an option to extend twice a year. “As soon as the permit holder cannot meet the minimum numbers, a second supplier of location-linked electric cargo bikes may be admitted,” the city executive wrote in a letter to council.

Trial

In addition to these stationary cargo bikes, which must be returned to the same place each time, the possibility of introducing shared cargo bikes into the city that can be left in different places is also being studied. The network of these so-called hubs should be comparable to bus stops so that everyone can pick up or leave a shared cargo bike within walking distance.

Before the municipality launches a two-year trial, it will first be examined whether there are enough places to be found. The concept can only be successful if there is a mesh network of hubs. It is now assumed that there will be 200 spaces with two bikes per hub.

balance

“With this, we want to maintain the balance between pressure on public space and added value for users. After all, sufficient use and widespread adoption of shared mobility ultimately relieves pressure on public space, as it is an adequate alternative to the private car,” according to the Utrecht City Executive.