DPD in Germany is understood to be ‘highly satisfied’ with the results of a pilot project to use electrically assisted transport bikes to deliver parcels. The trial involved bikes in the northern Bavarian city of Nuremberg just about a year ago and now they seek to launch further deliveries by bike in other areas of Germany.
As it stands, the pilot programme has proved successful. DPD currently operates only five transport bikes in Nuremberg and every morning, a van delivers the parcels for delivery to a micro-depot in the city centre where the bikes are stowed. And from there the “last mile” is undertaken on two wheels. And reportedly one of the key benefits of bicycle delivery is their all weather capability.
Even in wintry conditions we can fully rely on our transport bikes. However, operating entirely without conventional vehicles is not yet possible. We need the usual transporters not just to make deliveries to our micro-depot, but also to serve major business customers in the city centre.
– DPD depot manager, Torsten Mendel
The Nuremberg trial has been deemed a success and DPD will be deploying bikes in other German cities as a result. Bike deliveries will very soon be launching in Heilbronn, Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart and other cities will follow later this year. DPD has already started delivery by using a number of electrically powered bikes in Hamburg.
There are several reasons to support this innovation that takes parcel delivery back to 2 wheels. Obviously traffic congestion is getting worse in many metropolitan areas and bikes can beat that. And other towns are limiting vehicles on the grounds of emissions as well. Pedal power is exempt and bikes are the future.
