Germany's CCB4U project aims to revolutionize urban logistics with cargo bikes
German Cargo Bike Logistics Association and Courier Industry Group Join Forces in Urban Delivery Research Project
The German Cargo Bike Logistics Association (RLVD) and the Federal Association of Courier, Express, and Postal Services (BdKEP) are collaborating on the CCB4U – Commercial Cargo Bikes for Urban Logistics research project. Led by Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) in partnership with Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (HSA), the initiative aims to develop a digital planning tool to help logistics companies assess whether and how commercial cargo bikes can be integrated into their operations.
Funded by Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport, the project seeks to overcome barriers to the adoption and use of commercial cargo bikes in urban logistics. While these bikes are widely seen as a promising solution for more sustainable city deliveries, their long-term integration into business operations often falters due to a lack of planning frameworks and decision-making certainty.
CCB4U addresses these challenges with three practical modules: a simulation-based tool for comparing fleet configurations using realistic delivery scenarios, a cost calculator based on total cost of ownership (TCO), and a step-by-step implementation guide covering everything from staff training to infrastructure planning. The findings will be made widely accessible through established industry platforms such as the Cargo Bike Logistics Atlas and cargobikes4business.
"Small and medium-sized courier, express, and parcel services need reliable data—not just trial pilot projects," says Andreas Schumann of BdKEP. "Companies serious about deploying cargo bikes must first have clarity on cost efficiency, suitable routes, and operational requirements. CCB4U provides exactly that foundation."
The partnership with BdKEP sends a strong signal to the entire sector: cargo bike logistics is no longer seen as a niche but as a core component of modern, multimodal supply chains. "The fact that traditional parcel delivery providers are now actively engaging shows that sustainable urban delivery solutions have reached the mainstream of the industry," adds Leon Imeri of RLVD.
Both associations will leverage their deep industry ties to ensure practical relevance, involve early adopters, and disseminate the project's results through their networks. CCB4U runs until May 2027 and is funded under the National Cycling Plan 3.0 (NRVP) by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), with the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) serving as the implementing agency.
