UPS Launches Cargo Bike in Canada

Cargo bike delivery pilot targets urban logistic challenges

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - (NYSE: UPS) UPS Canada is using a custom-made cargo bike to deliver packages in and around the York University campus, as part of a pilot program to test the potential of delivery by bike in the City of Toronto. The success and learnings from this pilot will determine UPS Canada's strategy for delivery by bicycle on a larger scale, in Toronto and potentially other cities across Ontario and Canada.

Toronto Mayor John Tory and UPS Canada president, Christoph Atz are photographed at the UPS cargo bike pilot launch in front of Toronto City Hall. (From left to right: Christoph Atz, president of UPS Canada, Toronto Mayor John Tory.) (CNW Group/UPS Canada Ltd.)

UPS unveiled the cargo bike last week at Nathan Phillips Square, where Toronto Mayor John Tory celebrated UPS Canada's innovation in developing environmentally sustainable delivery methods.

"UPS has a significant presence in Toronto and with innovative solutions like more deliveries being made by bike, this is a step forward in the right direction for courier companies working with the city on easing congestion," Mayor Tory said.

UPS drivers using the pedal-powered bikes are showcasing UPS Canada's initiative to bring sustainable practices and services to the City of Toronto.

"The current pedal-powered model is the first step toward what we hope will become a viable model for urban deliveries," says Aylin Lusi, vice president of public affairs, UPS Canada. "Our goal is to test deliveries with e-assist bicycles; however, provincial regulations limit the ability to do so today. We hope to work with the government to explore new ways to bring efficient and sustainable delivery solutions to our communities."

The bike is 2.8 metres long and 1.2 metres wide. Without packages, the bike weighs 217 kg and has a payload capacity of 408 kg. Depending on the size of the packages, the bike can hold up to 50 parcels. Safety features include a lockable, rear cargo door which opens 90 degrees to eliminate the obstruction of view for traffic around the bike, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, side markers and hazard lights. The lights are powered by a solar panel on the roof. The bike is equipped with adjustable side-view mirrors and a polycarbonate safety windshield with a windshield wiper.

"The cargo bike joins a growing alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet," says Craig Rayner, vice president of automotive, UPS Canada. "We have over 2,880 delivery vehicles, tractors and shifters in Canada, more than 40 per cent of which operate with alternative fuel."

Those who spot the cargo bike can tweet a picture @UPS_Canada with the hashtag #TOcargobike.

About UPS
UPS (NYSE) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. UPS is committed to operating more sustainably – for customers, the environment and the communities we serve around the world.  Learn more about our efforts at ups.com/sustainability. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_Canada on Twitter.

SOURCE UPS Canada Ltd.

For further information: For all media inquiries, please contact: Murssal Akramy, mediarelations@ups.com, 905 676 1708