Traffic impact on last mile parcel delivery with cargo bikes

Abstract

In the course of global warming, low-emission last mile delivery concepts are being discussed as alternatives to conventional concepts. Complementing the logistical perspective, this study evaluates the impact of surrounding traffic on parcel delivery with cargo bikes. We propose a scenario-based methodological approach including an agentbased, multimodal simulation analysis. The approach includes the identification of infrastructural potential for cargo bike route shortcuts as well as effects of provider-joint collaboration. Key findings from a use case in the city of Hamburg, Germany, show similar traffic impact on delivery with cargo bikes and vans according to simulation KPIs such as time loss and mean speed. However, significantly lower CO2 emissions for cargo bike scenarios are observed as well as considerable synergy effects in collaboration scenarios.