German Cycle Logistics Association expects stable growth
Radlogistik Verband Deutschland (RLVD), the German Cycle Logistics Association, released its 2024 industry report, revealing promising developments in the cycle logistics industry. Despite facing global challenges, the sector is demonstrating steady growth and maintains an optimistic outlook for the future.
Tom Assmann, chair of the RLVD and researcher at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, emphasizes the organization’s ambitious goal: “We aim to shift 30 percent of urban commercial traffic to cargo bikes or trailers by the end of the 2020s.” Assmann notes that the report highlights the industry’s resilience in pursuing a sustainable economy, even under challenging conditions.
The report forecasts an average annual growth rate of 10 percent, which nevertheless may not be sufficient to fully achieve CO2-neutral urban logistics. To address this, Assmann urges policymakers to establish fair conditions that foster sustainability and innovation. He advocates for the inclusion of cargo bikes in public procurement policies, the revival of federal subsidies for cargo bikes, and consistent funding for expanding cycling infrastructure.
E-cargo bikes: A growing market with significant potential
In 2023, approximately 5,400 individuals were employed in the cycle logistics industry. The report reveals that the majority of companies within the sector are small to medium-sized enterprises. Last year, the industry generated a turnover of 183 million euros, reflecting a stable to slightly increasing trend compared to the previous year. In total, 37,650 cargo bikes and trailers were sold for commercial use in 2023, with 95 percent featuring electric drive support. Cargo trailers are becoming an increasingly important part of the market, with around 12,000 units sold. The total number of cargo bikes sold in 2023 in Germany was 235,250 including family cargo bikes (ZIV).
Nicolas Schüte, the lead author of the study from Wildau University of Applied Sciences, underscores the long-term potential of cargo bikes for commercial purposes: “The use of cargo bikes is not just a passing trend; it’s a sustainable concept with vast potential. We’re seeing an expanding range of applications, from mobile coffee bars to outpatient care, that can benefit from cycle logistics.“
Cycle logistics: significant impact on climate protection
The report highlights the significant impact of cycle logistics on climate protection. In 2023, cargo bikes covered around eight million kilometres, resulting in a reduction of approximately 2,100 tons of CO2 emissions. The survey also indicates that cycle logistics significantly improves road safety, with no serious injuries or traffic fatalities reported since the survey’s inception. “The negative headlines surrounding cargo bike tests are often misleading and taken out of context. Our daily operations demonstrate that these vehicles are indeed safe,“ adds Martin Schmidt, another RLVD board member.
The full 2024 report is available here .
