Cargo bikes and van deliveries in Rome: a comparative analysis

The rapid growth of e-commerce and the pandemic-driven surge in deliveries have intensified the challenges last-mile logistics poses to urban areas. Road transport, the predominant delivery mode, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite a downward trend since 2008, emissions rose in 2022, reflecting an increased mobility demand. Light commercial vehicles and trucks impact air and noise pollution due to their high emissions and noise levels. Innovative solutions, such as cargo bikes (CBs), have emerged as sustainable alternatives to mitigate these effects. This paper reports a brief literature review on CBs and evaluates their environmental, economic, and social benefits by comparing real-life data from a shipping company operating with CBs in central Rome to simulated data for motorized delivery vehicles. By analyzing their potential to reduce emissions, improve urban livability, and lower operational costs, this study seeks to raise awareness on CBs’ sustainability as a viable alternative for last-mile logistics. Highlighting these advantages can support policymakers, businesses, and urban planners in fostering a transition to more sustainable urban mobility solutions.