The global courier has transformed the way packages are delivered around Paris by deploying large eco-friendly tricycles that go beyond the curb.
FedEx now has four tricycles making mail deliveries in Paris that run on a 250-watt electric motor supplemented with pedal power, and plans to have 12 by the end of the summer.
Jonna McKone writes at The City Fix: "FedEx anticipates that this initiative is keeping the company ahead of plans to develop more car-less areas of the city. Paris plans to develop over 400 miles of bike lanes by 2014 and already has a number of streets devoted to pedestrian-only traffic.
FedEx's sustainable fleet is relatively new, but drivers are already saying that they are able to make faster, more efficient deliveries. They avoid the traffic that clogs the streets of central Paris while moving at a decent speed. During a trial period, the bikes delivered on average 15 packages per hour."
Thanks to Garrett Bradford
FULL STORY: FedEx Makes More Efficient Deliveries with Zero Emissions Electric Bikes
Addressing Online Retail's Ceaseless Curbside Deliveries
The rise of online retail has come with a flurry of delivery trucks that don't always have good places to stop. Researchers from Amazon's hometown are on the case.
Explosion of Deliveries Disrupts Streets
E-commerce and its delivery trucks are a big problem for narrow streets, homes, and retailers that don't have loading docks.
Taking the 'Mass' Out of Mass Transit
Is the isolation of personal rapid transit truly viable for mass transit?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie