Abstract
Since the pandemic, urban logistics challenges have taken on a new dimension with the surge in home deliveries. Supply chains are becoming longer, urban space is growing scarcer, and the impacts of motorized vehicles on cities are increasingly felt.
The white paper on cycle logistics in Quebec, produced by Coop Carbone, aims to initiate a sharing of knowledge on last-mile logistics by opening the chapter on cycle logistics in Quebec, for both operators and enablers. It also aims to stimulate discussion and to serve as a collection of contributions from stakeholders: professionals, researchers, public authorities, civil society organizations, and all those interested in the future of sustainable urban mobility.
The context of urban delivery in 2025
In 2025, urban logistics must reinvent itself under pressure from public authorities seeking to redistribute public space more equitably, from fierce competition, from consumer expectations regarding home delivery, and from the need to address climate change.
Source : Coop Carbone (2025). White paper - Cycle logistics in Quebec - Data sources : Académie de la transformation numérique (2024) ; Société canadienne des postes (2023) ; Meloche, J.-P., Vaillancourt, F., Trépanier, M., Milord, B., & Grine, F. (2025). Encadrer les livraisons à domicile pour réduir les impacts négatifs du commerce de détail électroonique dans les villes. CIRANO ; Pineau, P.-O., & Vincent, B. (2023). Tendances du parc automobile Québécois 2013-2021. Chaire de gestion du secteur de l'énergire, HEC Montréal.
Cyclelogistics : an initial response to the challenges
Cargo bikes are more efficient than motorized vehicles for logistics in dense and complex urban contexts. Cargo bikes offer speed and agility in the execution of delivery routes, while being remarkably energy efficient. However, these benefits are not automatic and depend heavily on the local context and the technical and material conditions in place.
Source : Coop Carbone (2025)
Enabling conditions for stakeholders
For municipalities: activating the levers
Public authorities play a key role in supporting business transformation and improving citizens’ quality of life.
- Facilitate access to land for urban logistics spaces
- Adapt regulations for the benefit of society
- Support sustainable logistics initiatives
- Lead by example through their own practices
Source : Coop Carbone (2025). White paper - Cycle logistics in Quebec - Data sources : Piegay, G., Aumont, C., Giraudineau, A., & Haddad. (2023). Panorama de la cyclologistique en France : État des lieux, enjeux et recommandations pour la filière cyclologistique. La Boîte à Vélo ; Dalla Chiara, G., Verma, R., Rula, K., & Goodchild, A. (2023). Biking the Goods : How North American Cities Can Prepare for and Promote Large-Scale Adoption of Cargo E-Bikes. Urban Freight Lab, University of Washington ; Field observations - Coop Carbone.
For businesses: adapting operations
Several factors must be taken into account to take action while reducing the risk of failure.
- Identify the urban logistics space that meets your needs
- Choose the appropriate cargo bike
- Train and equip your delivery team
Operating last-mile logistics in cities is becoming increasingly challenging and chaotic
Cycle logistics is one solution among others to reduce the negative impacts of last-mile delivery. It is particularly well suited to dense areas, where traffic and access are especially difficult. The more obstacles or restrictions there are for vehicles, the more efficient cycling becomes, making it a strategic choice for businesses.
With the white paper on cycle logistics in Quebec, discover in more detail the advantages of cargo bikes, as well as the conditions that both businesses and municipalities need to establish to successfully achieve a transition that can benefit everyone.
Original research :
White Paper Cycle Logistics in Quebec - Centre de ressources Coop Carbone
Disclosure statement :
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Credits of the cover image :
© Coop Carbone, 2025
How to cite this News?
Marie, C., Pirie, S. and Brard, M. (2026). White Paper on Cycle Logistic in Quebec : Reinventing the Last Mile. Observatoire du vélo
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