Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate whether and which specific, distinctive characteristics of European cycle logistics projects and the corresponding supporting policies have an impact on their economic performances in terms of profit and profitability. First, we identify project success factors by geographic area and project-specific characteristics; then, we statistically test possible dependence relationships with supporting policies and economic results. Finally, we provide a value-based identification of those characteristics and policies which more commonly lead to better economic results. This way, our work may serve as a basis for the prioritization and contextualization of those project functionalities and public policies to be implemented in a European context. We found that cycle logistics projects in Europe achieve high profit and profitability levels, and the current policies are generally working well and supporting them. We also found that profit and profitability vary across the bike model utilized: mixing cargo bikes and tricycles generates the highest profit and profitability, whilst a trailer–tricycle–cargo bike mix paves the way for high volumes and market shares.
Highlights
The aim of this paper is to statistically test whether and which specific, distinctive characteristics of European cycle logistics projects and the corresponding supporting policies have an impact on their economic performances in terms of profit and profitability
The findings suggest that adverse reactions to safety helmets being compulsory together with trip distance may affect messengers’ vehicle choice and undermine the success of Australian cycling and cycle logistics programs
Statistical results concerning our research hypotheses on categories of geographic area are discussed. Such hypotheses—which are negatives of the null ones reported in Table 8a—state that: across the different geographic areas, not across each country pertaining to a specific geographic area
Summary
An increasing noticeable focus on the adoption of cargo cycles for commercial deliveries and their social and economic impacts has been shown in local, national or Europe-wide projects and communication campaigns, together with a more comprehensive analysis of factors and policies characterizing non-motorized mobility programs at large [1,2,3,4,5,6,7].In particular, such policies have relevant impacts on the achievement of sustainable urban mobility goals as well as on the improvement of local economy and employment—e.g., by minimizing European economy losses (ca. 1% of gross domestic product) due to the congestion and prolongation of private and commercial journeys [4,8,9,10].The existing literature in this research area identifies manifold aspects, which vary from region to region—e.g., either cities or countries [11,12,13,14,15]. An increasing noticeable focus on the adoption of cargo cycles for commercial deliveries and their social and economic impacts has been shown in local, national or Europe-wide projects and communication campaigns, together with a more comprehensive analysis of factors and policies characterizing non-motorized mobility programs at large [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Such policies have relevant impacts on the achievement of sustainable urban mobility goals as well as on the improvement of local economy and employment—. The significance of such aspects has been tested with statistical analyses later on in this paper
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