A group passionate about e-cargo bikes have banded together to form Pedal Collective, a new rider-owned and operated cargo bike courier service in Bristol, England.
The startup was born in the wake of Zedify’s sudden closure after going into administration at the end of January. Zedify was one of the UK’s largest cargo bike delivery networks and was founded by Rob King who launched one of the first cargo bikes in the UK back in 2005.
Jon, Sam, Fred, TJ and Rob created Pedal Collective to continue the legacy of sustainable delivery which prioritises social and environmental responsibility.
The startup is focused on supporting local businesses with aligned values, fostering a strong, mutually supportive community.
“We believe in fair wages, community connection, and reducing our carbon footprint. We’re excited to pedal into the future and serve amazing local businesses in Bristol,” Rob Byrne, Co-founder of Pedal Collective, told Zag Daily.
Mr. Byrne told us that the team wants to put people over profit as they strive to make Bristol’s roads greener. “The allure of “free delivery” as a marketing tactic often masks the underlying pressures placed on frontline workers. While consumers enjoy the perceived savings, the reality is that the costs are shifted, frequently onto the backs of couriers and warehouse staff.”
Committed to sustainability not just in their transport but also in their way of working, the cooperative has collectively agreed to limit their operations to five days a week.
Pedal Collective will look to broaden its fleet of e-cargo bikes so it can collect and deliver items of all shapes and sizes.
“With our focus on community, we hope to secure funding from the local council and sustainable transport schemes to improve our fleet,” Byrne said.
“We also have ambitions to build a humble carbon neutral base of operations, allowing us to consolidate inbound deliveries, for zero emissions final mile delivery within the city.”
The startup has already formed partnerships with Roots, Wogan, CRACK, B24/7 and Double Puc Cafe.
