City distribution with cargo bikes in San Sebastián
After a study phase and with the participation of local stakeholders, the city of Donostia-San Sebastián has defined actions to increase the energy efficiency of freight distribution in the city centre. The most visible action is the introduction of special electric cargo bikes that will operate from a city distribution centre.
During the first year of the CIVITAS project, the local partners in San Sebastián carried out a study on freight distribution in the city. Based on this study and several meetings with local stakeholders a package of proposed measures was presented to the Mobility Advisory Council, a platform of the major mobility agents in San Sebastián.The proposed measures include:Changes in the time windows for delivery and improved enforcement of the time windows using camerasThe establishment of an urban distribution centre that will operate with bicycle delivery vehiclesNight distribution for larger shopsChanges in directions of some streets and relocation of parking areas for motor cyclesCurrently, the Txita Txirrindak company is already testing the bicycle delivery vehicles. The company has experience with this type of vehicles since it also operates bicycle taxis during the summer season. If the current pilot project proves to be successful a wider scheme will be implemented in the city centre.The cargo bikes are considered a good solution for the distribution of small packages to businesses in the centre and for the delivery of groceries from supermarkets to households.They have 24 gears and electric propulsion to support the cyclist. The load capacity is of 1.500 litres and 180 kilograms.
