I would love to see it in more cities/countries, because I use it very often. I don’t have the money to buy one for myself so the best that happend was that the city decided a few years ago to make stations where you can rent these bikes for a short shopping trip or to some nice place. They aren’t even really expensive too.

Source of Picture (Article in German)

  • zkfcfbzr@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Seems like an odd choice to have the cargo in front instead of in back - are they awkward to steer?

    • Ysysel@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I was surpised when I tried the first time but no, they are not awkward to steer ! It drives like a normal bike. It also feels safer to see exactly where you are puting the box with your children in it.

      This is a bicarrier though (one wheel at the front). Tricarriers (two wheels at the front) don’t drive like a bike AT ALL !

    • ConfidentLonely@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Incredibly they are pretty good to steer. I thougt the same first time I tried them. Some of them also have little seats for children to sit in, I assume that is why its in the front. But I clearly did like to see my groceries while driving.

      • zkfcfbzr@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        1 year ago

        Pretty cool to hear. I can see straps that I think are meant to be seatbelts. Are they a common sight in town or do they not get as much use as they deserve?

  • herrherrmann@lemmy.mlEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    In Berlin we also have a “fleet” of cargo bikes that are even free to rent (operated by different social organizations around the city). I’ve used them several times with different models, e.g. for moving stuff or going on a trip with the big dog. :)

      • popcorp@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        The fleet in berlin is run by many smaller organisations like schools or family centers. IIRC the deal is that city buys a cargo bike for the non profit and pays for a service, and in return the bike is available to anyone who wants to use it. There are limits on how long the bike can be borrowed and sometimes a security deposit is required but otherwise it’s free. I love my tax money supporting this initiative.

      • herrherrmann@lemmy.mlEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Yeah, the program in Berlin is being established by organizations like ADFC (German bicycle club) that are a bit smarter and optimistic about it. I’m pretty sure the city administration wouldn’t be capable of pulling off such a good system…