October 24, 2017 (Toronto, ON) – Shipping giant United Parcel Service (UPS) has unveiled a pilot project to use cargo bicycles to deliver packages in the more densely populated parts of Toronto and Mayor John Tory is enthusiastic about the project.

“I applaud @UPS_Canada for launching this forward-thinking initiative. We all have a part to play to #getTOmoving,” tweeted Tory. The cargo bicycles will be a lot easier to park than big trucks and the partnership is intended to improve the flow of traffic and make Toronto a more livable city.

The announcement follows a Pembina Institute report that suggested the city use more cargo bikes to cut down on traffic and emissions. According to the report 16.4 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the city come from vans, light-duty trucks, and SUVs. A similar UPS package delivery service was launched in Hamburg, Germany in 2012 to help make that city more sustainable.

“The success and learnings of this pilot will determine our strategy going forward for cargo delivery by bicycle on a larger scale in Toronto and potentially to other cities across Canada,” said Christoph Atz, president of UPS Canada.

Tory’s administration is amending parking regulations to facilitate this new service. UPS is also working with the Ontario government to amend its Highway Traffic Act and allow commercial use of cargo electric bikes in the future.

According to the Toronto Star, “The company has chosen York University and the surrounding neighbourhood as a testing area, in part because its proximity to the corporation’s main distribution hub.”

UPS currently employs 400 workers and operates 200 delivery vehicles in Toronto reports Global News. So far this year, UPS said it has delivered 20 million packages to residents, homes and businesses in the city.

John Tory on twitter here.
Global News here.
Toronto Star here.