You may consider this a bold claim but we don’t think so. If you commute on a bike you may have seen people travelling on bigger than average bicycles with loads on the front or back and wondered what they are. Well they are called cargo bikes and this article attempts to give you a rundown on what they are all about.
Our aim at Cargocycles is to make people aware that there is an genuine alternative for short distance travel using aｶ�car. We are not car hating evangelists, just practical people who love bikes and hate sitting in traffic jams. We also love a bit of technology and many of the bikes we sell have electric power as an option. If you’ve never ridden an electric bike but the very idea seems like cheating, consider what it allows you to do. Headwinds disappear, 40kg worth of weekly shopping is hauled right from the supermarket front door to your front door with no more effort than a bit of light pedalling. An electric motor is like having an invisible fit person doing the work for you. It’s just like driving in terms of effort if you want it to be so on the days you are tired you can make the motor work or if you feel like it turn off the motor while riding and pedal home yourself. There is no drag from most electric systems so think of it as an optional extra!
If you can get rid of your car or even one of your cars and get a cargo bike, think of the financial savings you will make over a few years compared to car ownership. A cargo bike may be a bit more of an investment than a conventional bike but it is a lot more bike and they are still cheap compared to a high end carbon road bike for example.
Cargo bikes are particularly useful over distances around 2km. You will get there faster than driving and if you have bike lanes near you it will be a lot more fun.ｶ�You can take an adult on the back or three kids or one kid and the dog plus all your shopping.
These bikes will change your life! See below for some options.
Below are resources that we think are quite useful for anyone wanting to know more about cycling and sustainability. We are particularly fond of groups/websites that promote cycling as an alternative to car based travel. If you find any cycling sites that blow you away, let us know and we’ll investigate!
Australian Links
Bike Law in Australia, useful links below.
http://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/sites/default/files/resources/Bike_Law_0.pdf
https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/resources-and-advice/
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Bicycle Network Victoria is a charity that promotes the health of the community. We work with our supporters to get ダ_More People Cycling More Oftenダ� and measurably grow the bike riding world. BNV organises both the Ride2Work and Ride2School events each year.
Yarra Bicycle Users Groupｶ�
Yarra Bicycle Users Group is a community voluntary organisation located in the inner suburbs of Abbotsford, Alphington, Burnley, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Cremorne, Collingwood, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill and Richmond. They also have a weekly radio show on 3CR.
A site for cyclists in Melbourne, Australia to talk, share hints and tips and generally stay informed.
A site for cyclists in Sydney, Australia to talk, share hints and tips and generally stay informed.
Do you love cycling and live in Adelaide? We are a community of more than 3000 cyclists – join us and share and connect with other cyclists.
Moreland Energy Foundation Limited
Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable energy. We undertake community engagement, do research, consult, provide professional development and advocate on energy efficiency, renewable energy and related policy and planning issues.
International Links
The Definitive Guide to Safer Cycling
ｶ�Sharing the Road Together: Drivers and Cyclists. UK based but still worth a read as it applies to Australia too.
Another great article about sharing the road – drivers and cyclists.
Interesting article and inspiration for coffee and bicycle lovers if you are travelling to Europe.
A non-governmental, nonprofit, advocacy organization, providing information and resources promoting sustainable transport and international understanding to make this planet a healthier and happier place to live.
This page shows you real ways you can get hit and real ways to avoid them. This is a far cry from normal bicycle safety guides, which usually tell you little more than to wear your helmet and to follow the law.ｶ� But consider this for a moment: Wearing a helmet will do absolutely nothing to prevent you from getting hit by a car.
Yuba advocate the use of bicycles as transportation through the design andｶ�manufacture of unique cargo bikes and accessories. As a byproduct, we transform lives, cultures, and reshape infrastructure. They are makers of the Boda Boda and Mundo that Cargocycles distribute.
Welcome to Joe Bike, a full-service retail and repair shop thatｶ�specializes in both utility bikes and the most advanced, most dependable, cleanest, most practical,ｶ�and lowest-maintenanceｶ�urban bikes available, many equipped withｶ�Gates Carbon Drive, the bestｶ�internally geared and dynamo hubs, and hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Weダ_re a neighborhood bike shop in Southeast Portland that happens to have built an international clientele.
Interesting bike articles from around the world. The entire Treehugger site is great to while away the hours too.
Introducing the new Yuba Boda Boda V3 with our super light Zeit Lite electric kit fitted. Weighing in at a dainty 21.25kg with the electric kit ready to roll. You can carry it upstairs without giving yourself a hernia yet it will power you comfortably at 25kmh.
The secret lies in the stealthy battery. Housed in a stainless steel drink bottle the battery has decent 6.2ah or 9.3ah capacity. Enough to tame those loads and turn an already capable hauling beast into something you can ride further and faster with ease.
You can remove the battery in seconds – just one plug, so you can carry the battery inside at work or home just like you would a normal drink bottle. A large LCD screen keeps you updated with speed, battery charge and you can select 1-3 levels of pedal assist from a simple control operated by your thumb.
Available at Cargocycles HQ for test rides now. If you are buying a new Boda Boda V3 the 6.2ah unit adds $1199 to the cost so it is pretty good value too. (+$200 for the larger battery).
Call us to discuss or drop in to see and ride this bike. Bring the kids!
Try a Cargo Bike Day: Sunday April 12, 10am-2pm The Great Provider, 42A Marine Parade, St Kilda VIC 3182 Join the cargo bike community at a fun family day out! Find out how you can reduce your dependency on your car. Meet cargo bike suppliers […]
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