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E-CARGO BIKE DELIVERY PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN BOSTON with NET ZERO as the provider
Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Transportation Department ( BTD ) recently announced the launch of Boston Delivers , an e-cargo bike delivery pilot program , to serve local residents and businesses . This service will make deliveries to and from local businesses in Allston and the surrounding area . Instead of motor vehicles , packages will be delivered by electric cargo bikes . The program will launch in mid-September and run for at least a year , with the goal of supporting local businesses , reducing pollution , easing traffic congestion caused by the expansion of delivery services , and improving street safety .
“ The way our small businesses and residents use our city ’ s curbs has changed over the last few years , and we ’ re launching Boston Delivers to explore how to make our streets flow more smoothly and safely for everyone ,” said Mayor Michelle Wu . “ This bike delivery pilot will support restaurants with an affordable , green , and convenient delivery option while reducing congestion on our streets .”
“ The growth of car-based delivery services has negatively impacted our streets by adding congestion and increasing unsafe and illegal parking ,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge , Chief of Streets . “ This pilot will help us explore alternatives by offering convenient delivery options that support neighborhood businesses while keeping our streets safe and moving .”
“ Kudos to the Boston Transportation Department , where vision , persistence , and creativity have created an innovative pilot program which will generate goodwill and good data ,” said City Councilor Liz Breadon . “ We are very proud of Allston ’ s local businesses , including its abundant restaurants which feature cuisines from all over the world . Allston-Brighton residents are ready to make this green transportation program a great success .”
The rise of delivery services following the pandemic has led to more congestion outside local businesses and double parking in bus , bike , and vehicle travel lanes . This has led to more conflicts among pedestrians , cyclists , and vehicles , which has increased the potential for serious injury . Boston Delivers aims to improve safety on our streets by reducing the size , speed , and environmental impacts of delivery vehicles .
The City will subsidize the delivery costs for up to eight businesses , making delivery costs more affordable for local businesses , with funds from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center ’ s ( MassCEC ) Accelerating Clean Transportation for All ( ACT4All ) Program ( funded by MassCEC and the Department of Energy Resources ). This program will also help businesses provide a delivery service where they may not already offer one . Additionally , the city is contributing about $ 345,000 towards the pilot program . The majority of this is labor costs , along with outreach and translation services and equipment .
“ Clean transportation is a significant part of the Commonwealth ’ s decarbonization strategies . Micromobility , such as e-bikes and e-scooters , is one focus of MassCEC ’ s transportation programming , which is aimed at supporting innovative clean transportation models ,” said MassCEC CEO Jennifer Daloisio . “ We are excited about Boston ’ s leadership in this area on the municipal level and the potential this pilot has to increase quality-of-life by decreasing emissions .”
“ The Boston Delivers program will address two issues that we ’ re facing in Allston , pollution in the neighborhood and congestion on our streets ,” said Alex Cornacchini , Executive Director of Allston Village Main Streets Association . “ This service will provide some much needed relief on both fronts , all while helping out our local businesses community . We ’ re very fortunate that the BTD has chosen Allston as the pilot neighborhood for this initiative .”
“ We would like to participate in the Boston Delivers pilot because it seems like an easy way to support cleaner air and job opportunities for those without a car ,” said John Kim , owner of OliToki , a Korean fusion restaurant in Allston that will be participating in Boston Delivers . “ Also , we see a lot of bike and e-bike deliveries in other major cities , and we feel that adding more ways to get food into people ’ s hands should ultimately benefit both restaurants and customers .”
While some businesses have already been selected , Boston Delivers is seeking more businesses in the Allston area to participate in the program . Those interested in participating in Boston Delivers can go to boston . gov / boston-delivers to fill out the interest form and learn more .
62 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I summer 2023