The return of the cargo trike

Steve Hawley, Jan 07, 09.

A Massachusetts company called the New Amsterdam Project is using industrial tricycles to deliver goods in an effort to reduce truck traffic and curb emissions, according to this article in the Christian Science Monitor.

This delivery method, unconventional in the US but still popular in some developing countries, is “less expensive, better for the products, better for the environment, and for the community.” These “cargo trikes” come with an electric-assist feature, allowing riders to haul 800-pound loads uphill while pedaling easily. Although cargo trikes are still rare, they have gained some support, and even UPS tested the concept in Vermont in 2007. Ultimately, proponents hope not just to reduce traffic and emissions, but to change the automotive culture in the United States.

Note: the New Amsterdam Project has been renamed to Metro Pedal Power, and has a new website.

Comments

Peter Wang said:

This is a really nice “consumer scale” bike for hauling a ton of stuff.

http://www.konaworld.com/09_ute_u.cfm

Posted on Jan 09, 09 at 7:39 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said:

Wow. I’ve been looking to buy a new bike. Now I know what bike I will be dreaming about. I always put one of those little trays on my bikes, but have always wanted more hauling ability.

Peter - Do you know if there are any bike shops in Houston with these long frame cargo bikes to try it out instead of just ordering online?

Posted on Jan 23, 09 at 2:12 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) said:

To answer my own question, it looks like there are two bike shops in the Heights that are Kona dealers, but they don’t have any of those yet, but one said they could order it.

Posted on Jan 23, 09 at 2:19 pm

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