Associations set up a new coordination working group for cargo bikes

Berlin, May 6, 2021 – The number of cargo bikes sold annually in Germany has increased sixfold since 2016. More and more manufacturers and models are coming onto the market for different uses and are benefiting from the transformation in inner-city logistics as well as from the cargo bike boom in private use. Cargo bikes are now a part of the streetscape and will increasingly shape it. The topic is also gaining in importance in politics, as the target set by Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer of 30 percent delivery by cargo bikes over the last mile and the expanded promotion of cargo bikes by the Federal Environment Ministry at the beginning of the year show.

In December 2020, the Cargo Bikes Working Group (KGAG Lastenräder) was founded as a cross-association body. Three associations are currently represented: the Federal Association of Zukunft Fahrrad (BVZF), the Radlogistikverband Deutschland (RLVD) and the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV). BdKEP has also been a member of the working group since April.

The aim of the working group is to coordinate cross-association work on industry-relevant topics such as standardisation, funding and expansion of the infrastructure. Joint statements are drawn up and events are held, too. In addition to the exchange of knowledge between the associations, the Cargo Bikes Working Group will channel political work on this future issue.

The KGAG cargo bikes are organized by Jonas Kremer (citkar GmbH). The representatives of the associations are:

RLVD: Tom Assmann (spokesman for the Standardisation Working Group / Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg)
BVZF: Jakub Kopinski (board member BVZF / Punta Velo), Jonas Kremer (head of the cargo transport working group of the BVZF / spokesman for the policy group of the RLVD / citkar)
ZIV: Anke Schäffner (Head of Politics & Interest Representation ZIV)
BdKEP: Andreas Schumann (Chairman BdKEP)

KGAG Cargo Bikes meets at regular intervals and started work in January 2021. Members of the associations can become part of KGAG Cargo Bikes free of charge and take part in the regular meetings.

About the BVZF:
The Federal Association of the Future of Bicycle (BVZF) is an amalgamation of dynamic and innovative companies from all areas of the bicycle industry: service providers, manufacturers, dealers, digitalisation start-ups and suppliers. In order to strengthen the bicycle in all its variations – from the folding bike to the covered BE cargo bike – they bring their market expertise to the political decision-making processes through the association activities. More at: https://zukunft-fahrrad.org/

About the RLVD:
The Radlogistik Verband Deutschland e.V. (RLVD) wants to promote the use of modern cargo bikes and cargo bike trailers in logistics. More at: https://rlvd.bike/

About the ZIV:
The Zweirad-Industrie-Verband is a national representation of interests and a service provider for the German and international bicycle, e-bike, component and accessory industries. As an industry association, it represents around 100 member companies vis-à-vis legislators, government, authorities, the media, institutions and organisations. More at: www.zivzweirad.de/

About the BdKEP:
The BdKEP is the trade-political interest group for medium-sized courier, express, post and parcel services (KEP). The association represents over 3,000 direct members. These include city couriers, regional postal services, cargo bike couriers, direct couriers and pharmaceutical couriers as well as medium-sized platform providers and software providers. The association advocates non-discriminatory market access for medium-sized companies. On the one hand, the common representation of interests is important in the widespread work as a subcontractor for global corporations. On the other hand, the BdKEP is the strong voice of the medium-sized companies towards politics and administration. More at: www.bdkep.de