Sharing trends and real world examples of innovation and best practice in cycle logistics
What is RIPPL?
RIPPL is a project which highlights examples of businesses, organisations, projects and initiatives using bikes, trikes or pedal-power in innovative ways. The project also identifies trends in cycle logistics and aims to share best practices from across the world.
What does RIPPL stand for?
Register of Initiatives in Pedal Powered Logistics.
Who is involved?
RIPPL is Amsterdam-based writer and researcher Tom Parr, and Nijmegen-based cycle-logistics consultant Jos Sluijsmans. Jos is also Director of the International Cargo Bike Festival. We are currently funded by Topsector Logistiek, through the Dutch sustainable mobility organisation Connekt and the city of Groningen.
What are your aims?
Although we’re based in The Netherlands, where cargo bikes are fairly common, we’d like to see their popularity grow throughout the world. The potential for growth is huge and the benefits so great that we think it is really important to share and inspire others.
Why?
On a global level, the world’s cities are growing and getting busier, and the world faces an unprecedented environmental crisis. Zoom in to the city level, and more people are recognising that shifting urban logistics from delivery trucks to pedal power makes a lot of sense, especially in dense, congested urban areas.
For citizens, pedal powered logistics can lead to less pollution, safer and more liveable streets and opportunities for individual or community actualisation. For logistics operators, there are significant efficiency savings on offer. Government bodies are increasingly recognising the myriad environmental, health and economic benefits.
There are many, many examples of initiatives doing great things in cycle logistics. Through this series of RIPPL articles, we’ve allowed them speak for themselves…
