At Portland Pedal Power, we like to think we’re ahead of the curve. So when I heard that the country is starting to shift from SUVs to cargo bikes, I couldn’t be more excited. The Oregonian recently published an article claiming the use of cargo bikes is starting to pick up steam in our cities, all the way from Portland Oregon to Portland Maine.
For some, switching from your 4-wheel drive SUV to a two wheel cargo bike might come across as a big switch. However, if you think about it, a cargo bike can do a lot of the things your typical car can do: you can take the kids to school(Be Safe!), grab some groceries from the local market and run some errands, all without needing to look for parking or fill up on gas.
There are a lot of different kinds of cargo bikes to choose from, should you want to make this switch. Splendid Cycles, a local manufacturer of cargo bikes, offer models like the Bullitt Cargo Bike, a Danish created, light weight front loader. They also offer the Metrofiets Cargo Bike, a locally made, hand built cargo bike designed to carry anything you may need. Splendid Cycles also carries a few brands of longtail bikes, very similar to the tried and true workhorse of Portland Pedal Power.
Of course, you may be thinking “its easy for a company like Portland Pedal Power to suggest ditching the car for a bike. You do it every day.” But if you think about it, we’re probably the best example of how easy the shift can be because we do it everyday. We prove that it can be done every time we make a delivery. Whether it’s lunch for two or catering for 200, it’s something we’ve been proficient at for some time now.
So as we start the new year, consider taking on a New Years Resolution: Challenge yourself to use a bike instead of a car, especially if it’s just for a short hop, skip and a jump around town. Instead of driving down the block to pick up that half-gallon of milk, grab the bike instead! I guarantee you’ll feel better for it.
Feel like making the switch? Already doing it? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter what inspired you to make the change.
