The transport sector in Germany is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable transport solutions. While cargo bikes have proven effective in urban settings, their potential in rural areas remains underexplored.
To address this gap, RADLÄR, a newly launched research project, aims to identify the needs, applications, and challenges of implementing cargo bikes for logistics in rural areas. The project focuses on improving commercial transport processes, particularly last-mile deliveries, and developing scalable, cycle-based logistics solutions. Targeting businesses and public entities, RADLÄR seeks to promote sustainable, low-emission transport alternatives that are economically viable and future-oriented.
A key project element involves participatory workshops in six model German regions: Bad Soden-Salmünster, Landkreis Emsland, Havixbeck, Herzberg (Elster), Hochsauerlandkreis, and Hofstetten. These workshops will engage residents, businesses, and local administrations to collaboratively explore the needs, ideas, and opportunities for cargo bike integration.
Building on these insights, the RADLÄR team will design tailored logistics concepts incorporating cargo bikes into regional value chains, addressing local requirements and challenges. Processes and supply chains will be tested and refined through simulations. The findings from the model regions will then be analyzed to identify patterns and derive broader recommendations applicable across Germany.
Ultimately, RADLÄR strives to develop sustainable, efficient, low-emission transport solutions that can transform cargo logistics in rural areas. RADLÄR is supported by the administrations of the six model regions as associated partners, along with Hermes Germany GmbH, a courier, express, and parcel service provider that already utilizes cycle logistics for deliveries in major German cities. The project officially began with an internal kick-off meeting on September 20, 2024, in Frankfurt am Main.
The project partners (Fraunhofer INT, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (represented by ReLUT), and Hermes) have outlined plans to actively involve residents, businesses, local administrations, and policymakers in the initiative. To achieve this, surveys will soon be conducted among experts and interested citizens within the participating municipalities.
Funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) with approximately 1.3 million euros, RADLÄR is managed under the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) as part of the funding program supporting the National Cycling Plan 3.0. The project, which runs for three years, focuses on advancing non-investment measures that promote sustainable, cycle-based transport solutions.