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Welcome to Velo Vision magazine, covering specialised bikes, cycling as transport and human power. It's a quarterly dose of cycle inspiration.The current issue is Issue 16. The next issue is out early March 2005.
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New load-carrying business model takes root in LondonWorkbikes are increasingly seen by logistics companies and operators as an efficient way to move packages round crowded town centres. A new way of working, the Pick-Up, Drop-Off point (PUDO) looks like the way of the future. 'Pedestrianised' (usually cycles are allowed) areas of many European town centres are barred for motor vehicles, at least during business hours. This makes delivering or collecting parcels extremely difficult for logistics companies, which until recently have simply managed by sending a large truck around to deliver everthing. Not only do trucks get stuck in traffic, but they are also extremely difficult to park (legally) within easy reach of their final destination. Many of these companies are beginning to realise that it makes economic sense to use a more appropriate vehicle for the city-centre section of their operations. One way of handling the switch-over is to use a 'pick-up, drop-off' (PUDO) point on the edge of the town centre area, where parcels can be off-loaded from trucks to smaller vehicles, especially load-bikes, trikes and quads. The saving in time and money from not having a truck and driver sitting in traffic half the day more than finance the pedal powered service. The smaller, more efficient workbikes can also deliver more parcels, faster, increasing profits, customer satisfaction and also generating good environmental PR for the logistics companies and for their customers. Taking trucks out of the city centre benefits everyone, of course, in terms of quality of life, cleaner air and safer streets. Operations like this have operated for several years now in various mainland European cities (mostly flat ones...) including Ghent and Brussels. In some 'strictly pedestrianised' city centres, such as York, where no cycling is allowed, workbikes can still deliver. York's Wheel Alternatives couriers (01904 338338) simply push their carrier trikes on foot - quite fast enough for the compact inner city. One of London's best-known courier companies, ZERO, recently took part in a trial PUDO scheme in Camden as part of the recent 'Car-free Day'. Working with the local authorities, they handled deliveries to local businesses and residents in the roads closed for the day. Another London specialist in local deliveries, MyPorter, has just opened a permanent PUDO based off the Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London. They join E-Mission Control in using the system. E-Mission have been offloading and delivering packages in London for some time now, and use a large fleet of bikes, trikes and quads. This article was partly inspired by an item in 'Workbike News', an email newsletter produced by ZERO founder Andrea Casalotti. It's worth visiting the Workbike website - stacks of resources contact details of operators and manufacturers. Don't miss the 'free ads' section - it's quite heartening to read so many expressions of interest (from companies big and small around the world) in workbikes for sale or wanted. Posted on 04 January 2001 Your comments ...
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