And why we are so excited by this startup!
Online home deliveries surged during the pandemic – as did the number of vans and trucks on our streets.
Around the world, e-cargo bikes and other forms of micromobility were embraced by delivery companies, demonstrating a much more efficient way of moving goods in congested cities.
While many cities are reaping the benefits of cheaper freight and cleaner air, Australia has idled. But this may be about to change. Because Parcelrun has been given the green light to operate out of the Goulburn Street Courier Hub!
From there it will run a door-to-door last mile delivery service within a 5km radius of the CBD. The 3-month trial will then collect local data about e-cargo freight delivery with the intention to expand services in 2024.
We're excited! Because it provides an opportunity to confirm what has proven to be highly successful everywhere else. Namely, that for the last mile, micromobility is the sustainable solution to the wicked problem of pollution and congestion. Read our submission to the Electrification of Transport in the City, and our NSW EV Strategy. It also aligns with the City of Sydney's goals for sustainability, active travel and decarbonisation. Not to mention Transport for NSW’s Active Transport and Future Transport strategies.
For last mile delivery, cargo bikes outpace vans on every measure
A study revealed that electric cargo bikes outpace vans by around 60% in delivering packages within city centres. The research highlights that these bikes exhibit a greater average speed and can complete 10 parcel drop-offs per hour. While vans manage only six. Also, e-cargo bikes reduce carbon emissions by 90% compared to diesel vans and by a third compared to electric vans. Furthermore, they are safe, quiet and contribute to cleaner air.
Although vans might achieve higher speeds on open roads, congestion and parking challenges slow them down. Whereas cargo bikes navigate through traffic, take shortcuts, and reach customers directly. They bypass so many obstacles.
Patrick Ibrahim, CEO of Parcelrun (Image: Parcelrun)
An Australian trial with strong local and international support
“The pilot will help establish Australian benchmarks and frameworks so we no longer have to refer to international data we’ve relied on so far,” said Patrick Ibrahim, interviewed by The Micromobility Report
He confirmed that Parcelrun is well advanced in its discussions with several potential partners – including e-cargo bike and light electric vehicle manufacturers and distributors, e-bike share and subscription providers, and logistics companies – to conduct the trial.
Parcelrun aims to establish micro-logistics hubs in the major cities and offer a viable alternative to van delivery
As with Shippit, this will include full digital integration.
“While the world is beset by challenges of climate, congestion and air pollution, there are some exciting opportunities. Parcelrun is one of these. And we can help by continuing to strongly advocate for better infrastructure for walking and cycling across NSW,” said Peter McLean, CEO Bicycle NSW.
Highly recommended: The Pedal Set Go team offer specialised urban bike safety courses (Image: Pedal Set Go)
A fair go for delivery riders with full training and benefits
At Bicycle NSW we advocate for fairness. A fair go for kids to be able to get to school independently, and for women to feel safe on two wheels. We also want to see 30km/h streets, more pedestrian crossings, abundant trees and road space reallocated with separated cycleways. Because that’s what fairness looks like at street level. What’s more, streets for people are safer, more beautiful and better for business by a factor of 5:1 minimum. (Read more on that here).
And at work, fairness means a safe, secure workforce. So we’re pleased that Parcelrun delivery riders will be properly employed as staff with benefits. That includes full, specialised safety training with our friends at Pedal Set Go, full employment with benefits. As well as insurance. Staff will not be precariously hired as gig riders. This then creates a happy and motivated team capable of delivering a personalised service. Good stuff!
The trial is scheduled for the busy November Xmas period and will involve 7-10 trained e-cargo delivery riders.
The Parcelrun job advert! This would be a fun and healthy way to spend the spring.
(Image: Bicycle NSW / Parcelrun)
Hey, while you’re here:
If you are not already a Bicycle NSW Member, we would love you to consider joining us
If you care about the environment, then check out our advocacy for better infrastructure and a healthy planet. You will also ride easy, covered by our comprehensive insurance and enjoy many other Member-only benefits.
