The e-commerce giant is deploying micromobility devices including cargo bikes and mopeds in several global markets to reduce the need for larger trucks and vans for last-mile deliveries.
Amazon is launching a micromobility pilot program in Washington D.C. after its first U.S. foray into lightweight delivery vehicles in New York City, reports Eric Kulisch in Freight Waves.
"The retail and logistics goliath this month launched a 10-month program to assess how e-bikes can support package delivery operations in the nation’s capital, the District Department of Transportation said in a news release." The company is launching a fleet of up to 15 electric cargo bikes that include a secure cargo hold and covered seating for delivery drivers. "The e-cargo bikes in the District are loaded at an Amazon microhub located on a secure surface parking lot in Southwest, D.C. "
According to Kulisch, "Couriers are increasingly deploying e-cargo bikes in cities, especially in Europe, where deliveries are concentrated close together. Bikes use pedestrian and commercial loading zones and operate in bike lanes, allowing packages to be delivered while helping to reduce traffic and noise, transportation planners say." Amazon has deployed over 250 cargo bikes in Manhattan. NYC delivery workers also delivered up to 250,000 packages on foot using pushcarts last year.
FULL STORY: Once known for resisting growth, Palo Alto now seeks ‘pro-housing’ designation
How Micromobility Can Improve Last-Mile Delivery
Facilitating the use of micromobility devices for the last mile of urban deliveries can reduce congestion, lower emissions, and take bigger vehicles off small neighborhood roads.
D.C. pilots four-wheeled e-cargo bike deliveries with Amazon
The 10 month program will pilot 15 bikes for last mile deliveries.
DC, Columbus Bike Share Fleets Introduce Cargo Bikes
Shared mobility is ‘growing up,’ with rental options increasingly expanding to include e-bikes, scooters, and cargo bikes.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
New Jersey’s second-largest city bans standalone data centers
Jersey City will continue to allow co-location facilities, such as those meant for research institutions that store their own data.
Amtrak not solely to blame for New Jersey commuter rail's unreliability, report finds
A new study from the Garden State Initiative found that NJ Transit’s budget grew 20% across a 4 year period, but reliability declined significantly over the same period.
EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants
Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.
Phoenix announces new on-demand transit service, more frequent RAPID buses
Both new services will launch in October, and are part of Phoenix's Project Effective Access Solutions for Easing Congestion.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association