The International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) opens its doors on 25th and 26th October at Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, marking the first time the event has come to the city. Renowned for its world-class cycling infrastructure and culture, Utrecht is the perfect location to host the ICBF as it brings together the cargo bike industry’s top innovators, experts, and enthusiasts for a festival of product launches, speakers, panels, and exciting side-events.
The International Cargo Bike Festival doesn’t just revolve around the cargo bike itself, but the impacts it can unlock for people and cities. With this in mind, there’s something for everyone at ICBF 2024: from cargo bike dealers to every-day cargo bike riders of all types; from policymakers to investors; and from fleet managers to finance professionals and developers. And to make the event truly accessible for all, visitor entrance is free of charge.
What makes this year’s edition particularly special is that several exhibitors are choosing the ICBF to unveil brand-new products. Others are launching entire new brands, while yet more are making their debut in the Netherlands. Attendees will be the first to experience these new developments up close. A few examples of the launches include:
- New brand TARRAN’s T1 Pro model will catch eyes with unique landing gear and a tech-heavy feature list as it makes its Netherlands debut;
- Dutch brand STOER Bikes will be showing off their new, muscular CargoX model;
- The new representatives of Car.Los, a brand until now little-known in the Netherlands, will be making a strong case for their long-tail cargo bikes to a Dutch public more used to front-loaders;
- New brand Caboocargo will launch their range of family-oriented cargo trikes at the show;
- And on the business side of the cargo bike market, brands Kleuster and GreenZen Solutions by Denso will both be launching products aimed at organisations dealing with the transmission to zero-emission inner city logistics and operations;
- Meanwhile, Muli, Kettler Alu-Rad, Wren Sports, VOK Bikes, Ananda and Charger Vault, among others, are all making their ICBF debuts.
What to expect at ICBF 2024:
- Exclusive Product and Brand Launches: Be among the first to see new products and innovations that are set to shape the future of urban transport. From cargo bikes designed for families to cutting-edge logistics solutions, this is the place to discover the latest developments in the space.
- Cargo Bike Expo and Test Track: A chance to explore the latest innovations from leading cargo bike manufacturers and try them out the test track. Whether you’re looking for a family bike, a business solution, or simply curious about cargo bikes, you’ll find it here.
- International Expert Panels and Global Insights: The ICBF features a packed line-up of speakers, including voices from across the globe, sharing how cargo bikes are revolutionising urban life. Kicking off with a keynote speech by Karen Vancluysen of POLIS Network, join panels and discussions that explore the role of cargo bikes in creating more sustainable, efficient cities. Topics include diversity in the cargo bike and logistics industries, the impact of zero-emission zones in urban centres and a look at the state and potential of the African cargo bike industry – with speakers from Mali, Nigeria and South Africa. Visitors can also take part in discussions on topics like standardisation or how to incorporate cargo bikes into urban planning or business strategies.
- Networking: The ICBF also offers fantastic opportunities to network with key players in the industry. To facilitate this, the ICBF has set up a platform, Conversation Starter, allowing professional attendees to connect and set up meetings at the event in dedicated meeting points at the venue.
- Festival atmosphere: “Funbikes” will provide a challenge to young and old on the test track, while indoors there will be music played from a cargo bike, an artist stencil-painting live and book readings providing the relaxed atmosphere the ICBF is known for. All fuelled by delicious barista-prepared coffee from a cargo bike and an all-vegetarian/vegan menu of food options.
- Side Events: Several side-events will take place both at the venue and around Utrecht, offering additional opportunities to explore cargo bikes in action. These include sessions hosted by cargo bike manufacturer Fulpra and Bikeshift focusing on challenges in urban logistics; a guided tour of Utrecht food hotspots by Vegan Food Tour; a session on standardisation led by industry body LEVA-EU; and a mass-ride around Utrecht along with the Dutch Recumbent Cycling Association (Ligfiets Vereniging NVHPV).
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the International Cargo Bike Festival to Utrecht for the first time,” said Jos Sluijsmans, Director of the International Cargo Bike Festival. “With product launches, global speakers, and a packed schedule of hands-on activities, this year’s event is set to be one of the best yet. Utrecht’s cycling culture and passion for sustainable transport make it the ideal backdrop. It has been great working with the team at Dutch Cycling Week and we are also very grateful for support we have received from RVO, Gemeente Utrecht and Arup.”
Join the International Cargo Bike Festival in Utrecht on 25th and 26th October for an unforgettable celebration of the cargo bike and its growing role in creating greener, healthier cities.
For more details on the visiting information, tickets, exhibitors and programme, visit:
https://cargobikefestival.com/your-visit/
https://cargobikefestival.com/exhibitors/
https://cargobikefestival.com/programme/
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Sourced: ICBF
Cover image credit: Car.Los
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai