White paper – Cycle logistic in Quebec
Since the pandemic, urban logistics challenges have taken on a new dimension with the surge in home deliveries. Supply chains are becoming longer, urban space is growing scarcer, and the impacts of motorized vehicles on cities are increasingly felt.
This white paper aims to initiate a sharing of knowledge on last-mile logistics by opening the chapter on cycle logistics in Québec, for both operators and enablers.
It also aims to stimulate discussion and to serve as a collection of contributions from stakeholders: professionals, researchers, public authorities, civil society organizations, and all those interested in the future of sustainable urban mobility.
Part 1: The context of urban delivery in 2025
Summary
In 2025, urban logistics must reinvent itself under pressure from public authorities seeking to redistribute public space more equitably, from fierce competition, from consumer expectations regarding home delivery, and from the need to address climate change.
Part 2: An initial response to the challenges: cyclelogistics
Summary
Cargo bikes are more efficient than motorized vehicles for logistics in dense and complex urban contexts. Cargo bikes offer speed and agility in the execution of delivery routes, while being remarkably energy efficient. However, these benefits are not automatic and depend heavily on the local context and the technical and material conditions in place.
Part 3: Enabling conditions for stakeholders
Summary
For municipalities: activating the levers.
Public authorities play a key role in supporting business transformation and improving citizens’ quality of life.
Facilitate access to land for urban logistics spaces
Adapt regulations for the benefit of society
Support sustainable logistics initiatives
Lead by example through their own practices
For businesses: adapting operations
Several factors must be taken into account to take action while reducing the risk of failure.
Identify the urban logistics space that meets your needs
Choose the appropriate cargo bike
Train and equip your delivery team
Operating last-mile logistics in cities is becoming increasingly challenging and chaotic.
Cycle logistics is one solution among others to reduce the negative impacts of last-mile delivery. It is particularly well suited to dense areas, where traffic and access are especially difficult. The more obstacles or restrictions there are for vehicles, the more efficient cycling becomes, making it a strategic choice for businesses.
Discover in more detail the advantages of cargo bikes, as well as the conditions that both businesses and municipalities need to establish to successfully achieve a transition that can benefit everyone.
Call for contributions
Are you a municipality, research center, business, or organization that would like to advise or contribute to the resource center? Contact us by filling out this form.