A Brighton & Hove City Council post-room colleague, who regularly uses the council’s Urban Arrow Large eCargo bike, has this to say about it.
What was it like doing your delivery runs in a van, prior to using the e-cargo bike?
Doing the courier rounds in a van was very definitely a job - it felt like work. It often felt like overkill though as driving a vehicle with a small load (internal post and letters for processing), knowing that the contents could fit in a smaller ‘vehicle’.
I’d often end up feeling sluggish by the end of the round. Finding parking close to my destination was hard to find and often was fiddly to get in and out of.
I was disconnected from the environment I was going through. I was aware that sitting still apart from moving the controls was not helping my fitness.
In the summer it felt like I was wasting the sunshine sitting in the van.
How easy was it to use the eCargo bike?
I found it quite easy to use the eCargo bike. Though there are a few differences from riding a normal bike, but I found I adjusted quickly to using it.
Some other reasons why I like the cargo bike are:
What do you like about using the eCargo bike?
It doesn't feel like work, I enjoy using it. I like the fact that I am getting exercise as I am working. At the end of a delivery round, although I’m a bit tired from the exercise, I don’t feel sluggish.
It's always easy to find somewhere to ‘park’ the e-cargo bike close to my destination.
I feel connected with the world around me. It’s a conversation starter. Lots of people have asked me about it. I like that it means the courier service has a sustainable delivery service. Riding the e-cargo bike means I’m much less troubled by congestion on the roads.
Making courier stops at places all over Brighton & Hove and planning my routes to avoid needlessly cycling up hills twice, means I have developed a more accurate 3D ‘map’ of the city in my mind.
What would you say to Brighton & Hove City Council colleagues about using an eCargo bike?
I would say that it’s great riding these bikes and if you want to, get your boss to get you one and ride it. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to ride my one, as that would mean I wouldn’t be able to ride and enjoy it!
Brighton & Hove City Council libraries use the eCargo bike courier service, Zedify.
How did you find out about Zedify’s zero-emission delivery service?
We had used them as a stand-in when our existing service wasn’t available and that’s when we became aware of their green credentials. They were always willing to help out at short notice and provided a great backup to our then-existing service.
When did Brighton & Hove City Council library service start using Zedify?
In June 2019 as our substantive delivery service, though we had used them many times before.
The contract has run smoothly and Zedify are a pleasure to deal with, we've had no issues that haven’t been dealt with promptly and efficiently and in a willing way.
Why did you choose to use Zedify for Brighton & Hove City Council's library service?
We went out to competitive tender for our delivery service and Zedify tendered and was awarded the contract. Zedify scored very highly on both price competitiveness and quality.
What is their level of service like?
Their service is great, friendly, approachable, and efficient. We often need ad hoc changes to deliveries to be made and they're always willingly accommodated.
Zedify staff have got to know all our community staff which has added to the personal feel of their service.
What would you say to other Brighton & Hove City Council colleagues and departments about using Zedify’s services?
Good to work with, responsive, efficient, and flexible. They plan routes that work well for both us and them but are always willing to change these to accommodate last-minute requests.
I would highly recommend them so don’t hesitate to give them a go!
Testimonial provided by Brighton & Hove City Council Library Contract Manager.