Free neighborhood cargo bikes offered in Berlaar, Bonheiden, and Sint-Katelijne-Waver for trips to shops or recycling centers

Inhabitants of the Belgian municipalities of Berlaar, Bonheiden, and Sint-Katelijne-Waver will have access to free shared electric cargo bikes starting August 1. This initiative is a pilot project by the intercommunal organization IGEMO, supported by European funding, aiming to foster sustainable and shared mobility within these communities.

The system operates through a user-friendly app. Each participating municipality will be equipped with at least one electric cargo bike, strategically located for accessibility. Residents interested in using the service must first register via a website to gain access to the app, which allows them to reserve and unlock the cargo bikes. The service is available for a maximum of five hours per day, ensuring broader access for all residents.

Bart Vanmarcke, chairman of the Mechelen Transport Region, highlighted the project's environmental and economic benefits. "By sharing a cargo bike, we make an environmentally friendly transport solution accessible to many more people," he stated. "At the same time, we reduce the number of car journeys for short trips. This is good for the climate, for the livability of our neighborhoods, and for the wallets of our residents."

Sander Bulens, mobility project manager at IGEMO, explained the project's goal is to allow residents to easily test cargo bikes, potentially encouraging future purchases. "We gauged interest from all municipalities in our operating area. Berlaar, Bonheiden, and Sint-Katelijne-Waver committed to participating," Bulens said. He added that while the current limit is five hours, this may be extended later. The project is considered successful if the bikes are used and well-maintained, and it is set to run until the end of 2027, after which an evaluation will be conducted with the municipalities.

Local residents have expressed enthusiasm. Lut from Berlaar, who doesn't own a car, finds the cargo bike useful for transporting larger items, shopping, or trips to the recycling center. Hanne, also from Berlaar, sees it as a practical alternative to using a car for supermarket runs, noting that cargo bikes are often a significant investment.