Boston Delivers: Cargo Bike Pilot Evaluation

Abstract

Boston Delivers was an 18-month pilot project (running September 2023 through February 2025) led by the Boston Transportation Department in partnership with Net Zero Logistics and funded by MassCEC through the ACT4All program. The project tested the use of electric cargo bikes for neighborhood deliveries, aiming to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support local businesses by replacing car and van trips with more sustainable, right-sized vehicles. The Urban Freight Lab served as a research partner on the pilot, helping to design the evaluation framework, develop performance metrics, and analyze outcomes related to safety, emissions, and economic feasibility — ensuring the project produced actionable insights for Boston and other cities looking to implement cleaner and more efficient last-mile delivery options.