At their cycle logistics conference in Dublin today European industry associations European Cycle Logistics Federation (ECLF) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) announced that they have created a strategic partnership to strengthen the impact and industrial coordination of the cargo bike sector. They have combined forces to create a stronger advocacy voice for cycle logistics businesses in EU and national government policies.
Richard Armitage, Executive Director of ECLF said “Our members specialise in local cycle logistics operations, providing expertise in working with new businesses and start-ups in our sector. Supported by CIE we will now have more capacity to bring together operators, suppliers and supporters internationally, working for our industry at all levels.”
Kevin Mayne, Chief Executive of CIE said “2 million light commercial vehicles per year are sold in the EUand 96% of them are diesel, a figure that is growing. Our businesses provide an alternative that can save lives through emission reductions, reduce congestion and allow city centres to flourish. Our collaboration with ECLF means we can showcase how cycle logistics businesses must be at the heart of sustainable mobility policies.”
ECLF will be represented in Brussels by the CIE staff unit at the heart of the EU district, enabling the benefits of cycle logistics to be presented at the highest policy levels in the EU.
Through the new structure ECLF’s logistics companies will be able to link with CIE’s member companiesin the manufacturing, digital, financial and bike sharing sectors to strengthen their services and make strategic cross-sector partnerships.
An Expert Group in cargo bikes and cycle logistics will be formed to represent the companies involved and to draft the policy positions of the new organisation. This will include activities in the EU fundedproject City Changer Cargo Bike, a €4million project to grow cargo bike use and sales across the EU. Thecompanies’ input will also feed into the development of standards for cargo bikes when it reaches EU level via CONEBI.
