Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, the Netherlands – 13-14th October 2025 Despite industry headwinds, organisers of the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) are reflecting on a highly productive 2025 edition, which saw the cargo bike and cycle logistics industry gather in Utrecht. Exhibitors, speakers and visitors from across the world came to share knowledge, showcase designs and tackle pressing questions about the sector's growth. With around 800 visits made across the two days, participants were able to plan one-to-one discussions in advance at special meeting points thanks to the well-used Conversation Starter networking platform.
From niche to necessity
Perhaps the most significant insight from ICBF 2025 was a growing consensus in the industry that cargo bikes have evolved from niche to necessity. No longer are they just a 'green' alternative, but a core element of logistics in forward-looking cities. Not only for personal use and last-mile delivery, but also for a whole host of other use cases such as maintenance, service provision and even disaster relief.
The emergence of zero-emission city zones is also driving innovation in capacity, power, and fleet management technologies. This year's ICBF exhibitors showcased solutions directly addressing this demand, while demonstrating an industry that is maturating, with smart, application-appropriate technology at the forefront, and robust products and components designed to withstand rigorous, high-volume use; all of which visitors could test for themselves on the ICBF test track.
Compelling programme
As ever at the ICBF, a diverse slate of topics was discussed on stage by speakers from across the world, alongside film screenings and fast-moving sessions with on-stage pitches by ICBF exhibitors. On the Monday, The ICBF played host to the Dutch Mobility Summit, in which mostly European speakers – including Pim de Weerd of chip manufacturer ASML – discussed topics around cycling and mobility, moderated by President of the European Cyclists' Federation Henk Swarttouw.
On Tuesday, the focus widened to include a more international cast of speakers, including three from Africa, representing projects from Mali, Nigeria and South Africa. Energetically moderated by Chris Bruntlett of the Dutch Cycling Embassy and changemaker Arieke van Liere, other speakers, including from the Belgian and German cycle logistics federations, comprehensively tackled subjects around cycle logistics, regulation and standards.
Dedicated audience, impactful interactions
"Our decision to return as a standalone event in 2024 continues to pay off, and our new focus on professional visitors in 2025 has only added to that," explained ICBF Director Jos Sluijsmans. "We heard from numerous exhibitors that the quality of conversation was exceptionally high, directly leading to new partnerships and sales. Not only were exhibitors speaking to professional visitors; exhibitors were also speaking to each other, and that's just as important. The ICBF also serves as the critical annual touchpoint where policymakers can directly engage with the manufacturers and logistics operators who are currently reshaping our cities. Our job is to facilitate those essential, solution-focused discussions."
"The energy this year was palpable, driven by real-world challenges and solutions," added ICBF Co-organiser Tom Parr. "Participants at ICBF 2025 weren't just looking at bikes; they were looking at changemaking tools for their cities. Manufacturers, fleet managers, cycle logistics operators, policymakers, you name it; they are all engaged not on 'if' cargo bikes will play a role in future mobility, but 'how' we ensure support for the cargo bike revolution. That's a fundamentally different, and more impactful, conversation. What I see now is an alliance of groups that's ready to lobby for critical change."
All sessions from ICBF 2025 will be uploaded to the ICBF YouTube channel in the coming period. The dates and location for ICBF 2026 will also be announced soon.
About the International Cargo Bike Festival
Founded in 2012, the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) is the original event dedicated to promoting the cargo bike as a powerful tool for sustainable urban transport. It brings together manufacturers, experts, and advocates from across the world to celebrate and drive forward the cargo bike movement. The ultimate goal? To realise the gigantic potential of the cargo bike, with all of the global positive impacts on the environment, cities, health and societal benefits that entails.
https://cargobikefestival.com/
The ICBF takes place in 2025 as part of Dutch Cycling Week – an Utrecht-based umbrella organisation under which several cycling events, including Dutch Mobility Summit, Wielergala and Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs all fall.
