Testimonials

When did you decide to switch to a cargo bike? 

When my bike shop (Velodroom) suggested it: I was looking for a solution for my logistical transport and they let me test the Urban Arrow. Once I’d tried it, I was hooked! 

What is an ordinary day like for an electrician on a cargo bike? 

I think my day is the same as for any other technician, except that I don’t start the day worrying about traffic or congestion.I do have to think about other aspects, though, such as my carrying capacity or route. To be honest, broken glass on the road really makes me swear!

Choosing to work on a bike means choosing to reconnect to a more human way of working. You have to rethink everything and adapt your vision to a means of transport that is incompatible with the accelerated pace of life. But you shouldn’t understand that as something that holds you back. It’s more about reconsidering your relationship with space and time to position yourself better and provide a balanced service.

It’s a demanding choice, and to keep your life in balance, you need to consider issues like these as well. You don’t just become an ecotechnician by accident!

As a technician, I only use my bike to travel from home to the workshop and/or my suppliers. It’s not like being a courier who is on the bike all day. Besides the logistical aspect, I find it easier.

Wouldn’t you be better off with a van to organise your daily run?

No, not at all! I’ve never had a van, or a licence either for that matter! The cargo bike does everything I need it to. It’s reliable and effective.  

What about your customers? How do they react? 

Very often they are pleasantly surprised. Nowadays everyone – or almost everyone ;-) – has heard about the climate and the ecological crisis, so making this mobility choice in a professional context is easier to understand. People value my choice, and I find that gratifying.  

Do you have any tips for professionals who are hesitating to take the plunge?

It’s easy – just try it! On fine days, leave your van at home if you don’t need it and take your bike. People often make such a fuss about it, but honestly, it’s as simple as going for a ride.

When did you decide to switch to a cargo bike?

From the word go! When I started out as a responsible, ecological florist, it was an obvious choice for me to use a cargo bike as an ideal way to reduce my ecological footprint and work locally.

What is an ordinary day like for a florist on a cargo bike? 

Very early in the morning, I go out to get my fresh merchandise. Once I’ve tidied up the flowers, I start making the bouquets, coordinate the orders and subscriptions and plan my deliveries so that all the bouquets get to the right destination by the end of the day!

Wouldn’t you be better off with a van to organise your daily run? 

I use a van as well to collect the flowers and plants from the morning auction and directly from the growers, because all of them together take up a lot of space. It’s a short journey because I’m lucky enough to live near the market. 

I recommend the van for large deliveries as well. So I fill it up to the roof, from the back door to the seats, to use it optimally.

What about your customers? How do they react? 

My customers love receiving deliveries by bike. Most of them choose Bloomit bouquets because of the values my business represents, and the bike is completely aligned with those values.

Do you have any tips for professionals who are hesitating to take the plunge? 

Deliveries by bike require special organisation and adaptation to the weather as well as goods to transport and the occasional more significant financial investment, but it’s all worthwhile! The customers appreciate everything you do to make their everyday lives a bit greener.
 

When did you decide to switch to a cargo bike? 

I decided to switch to a cargo bike after watching a film about a plumber who travelled around Paris on a bike (Cyclo-plombier) almost five years ago.

What is an ordinary day like for a locksmith on a cargo bike? 

I leave home on my bike and travel around, mending locks for customer after customer all day long.  I keep all my tools in my bike box and regularly drop in on my supplier, although not every day. 

Wouldn’t you be better off with a van to organise your daily run?

No, I don’t miss having a van at all.

What about your customers? How do they react? 

Most of the time, my customers are delighted to see me turning up on a bike.  It gives our relationship a different dynamic, a more relaxed feel. Some people who are as crazy about bikes as I am ask me lots of questions (about how I organise my working day, what brand of bike it is, etc.). These conversations can be really enlightening.

Do you have any tips for professionals who are hesitating to take the plunge?

I’d advise people who are hesitating to take the plunge to talk to other entrepreneurs who already use bikes, to find out more about the advantages of this mode of transport – and about its limitations as well.  Testing different models of cargo bike is another indispensable way of finding the one that meets your needs best.
 

When did you decide to switch to a cargo bike?

Four years ago. I’ve always thought it would be cooler to run my business from a bike.

What is an ordinary day like for a wine merchant on a cargo bike?

I organise my trips depending on the orders I receive. I load the bike and then we’re off. Usually there are two of us on the bike: me and my dog.

Wouldn’t you be better off with a van to organise your daily run?

Yes, sometimes... but I don’t regret my choice. You need an adaptation period to get used to the change.

What about your customers? How do they react?

They are generally positive, although I don’t think all of them are really aware of it. In fact, though, it was something I did for myself.

Do you have any tips for professionals who are hesitating to take the plunge?

You’re always happier on a bike.

When did you decide to switch to a cargo bike? 

The cargo bike was part of the project from the outset. To be honest, I really couldn’t imagine spending hours every day stuck in traffic. What is more, the cargo bike reinforces the image of a project which aims to be ecologically sustainable.

What is an ordinary day like when you are delivering soup by cargo bike? 

In summer it’s pure delight. I enjoy the good weather while I’m working. In winter you need to be prepared. But it’s fun too, because you really feel alive.

Wouldn’t you be better off with a van to organise your daily run?

No, I don’t need a van for my daily deliveries. I do sometimes need one to fulfil an unusual order or a sales opportunity outside Brussels. At present I hire one. The most important thing is to adapt your means of transport to your actual needs. On the rare occasions when I hire a van, I have problems with traffic jams and finding a parking place where I can load the van. I’m always relieved to be back on my bike the next day.

What about your customers? How do they react? 

The cargo bike does have a bit of an effect on my customers. We tend not to realise it, but when you’re on a cargo bike you are part of the outside world, unlike car drivers. It’s not unusual for a customer to recognise me and wave or start a conversation.

Do you have any tips for professionals who are hesitating to take the plunge?

Using a cargo bike has benefits and drawbacks. You need to rethink your business plan to exploit the advantages of the bike.

What type of cargo bike caught your fancy? 

We started with a cargo trike, a model that looked safer because it was very stable when it was standing still. There aren’t many cycle lanes in our neighbourhood, and we often have to stop. That was also the most comfortable solution for our children, who tend to wriggle all over the place. 
It wasn’t long at all before we bought a second one. That meant the two of us could take turns taking the children to school. For our second bike, we decided on a longtail that feels almost like a traditional bicycle, which is more pleasant for travelling longer distances. 
The combination of the two cargo bikes is absolutely ideal for us. We choose the one that is best for what we have to do that day.

What motivated you to take the plunge? 

The birth of our children! We’d had it with cars, and it’s a bit difficult to transport a newborn on an ordinary bicycle. So we started using public transport again, but that is so damned inefficient. That’s why the idea of a cargo bike that you can attach a baby carrier or a carrycot to immediately won us over. It’s practical and reassuring all at once.

How long have you been using your cargo bike?

We started using the cargo bike a few months after our first child was born, just over four years ago. We really do use it every day, at least to take our children to crèche or school, but also to go to work or meetings, to do the shopping, to go to the park with the kids’ bikes or for a day trip and so on.

What has the cargo bike changed about your daily life?

A cargo bike was the obvious choice for us because buying a car wasn’t an option: there is the expense to consider, the difficulty of parking, traffic jams etc. And we’re convinced that bikes are still the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. Having a cargo bike has allowed us to keep a great freedom of movement, even with children. And they love it! 

Is it difficult to ride? 

Our longtail is only about 10 cm longer than an ordinary bike, so it’s pretty similar to ride. To begin with, we did have to get used to the weight and movement of the children behind us. But you soon get the hang of it, to be honest. After a few hundred metres, you hit your stride and adjust your movements accordingly. 

Then you have to consider the manoeuvres where you need to slow right down: turning into a side street, for example. But even then, you soon get the hang of it once you’ve done it a few times. In fact it’s like learning to ride an ordinary bike: once you can do it, you never forget. 

What advice would you give people who don’t dare embark on this adventure?

Go for it, it’s really fun! The kids love it: they see their friends in the street, they learn the way to school, to the park and so on... They recognise places in Brussels and start making connections. In fact you experience the city in a completely different way on a cargo bike.

We got rid of our car this year as we didn't use it while living in the city and it was just eating money that we didn't have. We availed of the subsidy from the city and got my wife an Ahooga so she could start cycling. I started cycling for work and love it. Pro Velo and other organizations have been so helpful and a great blessing discovering life on the pedals.

I had three incidents with drivers being bullies. I don't get bullied easily, I take my place on the road but three times I had very close driving beside me and horns and verbal. If it was my wife she would be afraid, I shrugged it off and generally pass them at the next lights anyway.

The electric assist was a nice surprise: I was always afraid it would make me lazy, but you really do have to pedal, and you feel it in your legs! It has won me over: I’m going to look for a suitable model in the next few months. However I am going to opt for a cargo bike rather than a longtail.

What type of cargo bike caught your fancy ?

We use a Riese & Muller, Load 75 because we wanted a cargo bike model with space for three children including a baby. The Bullit was also on our shortlist, but it only has space for two children.

Was there anything specific that inspired you to take the plunge ?

In fact there were two things: the arrival of our third child and the chance to lease a cargo bike through my work. Before that we’d been using a trailer with a child seat, but that solution had become too cumbersome and heavy for everyday travel.

How long have you been using your cargo bike ?

We’ve been using a cargo bike for a year now. It takes us to crèche, school and work every day. And we use it for all the shopping as well. It’s an electric bike, so the hilly parts of Brussels aren’t a problem. We also go out on rides, and we’ve even been camping with the cargo bike !

Has the cargo bike changed your daily life ?

Yes, obviously. It makes our journeys really flexible...and then there’s the fun of pedalling with electric power and the joy of seeing the children in the cargo bike together. We like not having to depend on a car because we’ve said goodbye to the problems we had with parking and traffic jams. And we’re doing something positive for the climate as well.

Is a cargo bike difficult to ride ?

You have to get used to it the first time, but afterwards it’s such fun !

Do you have any advice for those who are hesitating to take the plunge ?

Test it ! I’d suggest starting somewhere quiet, with no load. Then you could use it for the shopping to get used to having a load. Then take your children out in it on a nice day. When you get home, ask them what they think of the cargo bike themselves. Our kids were unanimous !

I’d recommend it for families with no vehicle because it’s definitely very practical for doing the shopping. Small children are also protected better and in your field of vision, which is reassuring. All the same, I’d be more likely to go for a longtail bike because my journey to work is over unpaved roads, most of which are bumpy, and very busy cycle paths. That makes riding a more traditional bike a more suitable option.

Brussels is getting better in terms of human-powered transport, but there are several stretches of my journey that are still in poor conditions and very dangerous for cyclists. I’ve come across quite a lot of cyclists who ride on the pavements because of that.

In both cases, cargo bikes are suitable for short trips but when the whole family has to get to the other side of Brussels with a 10-month-old baby in autumn, we’d always opt for the car first.

What type of cargo bike caught your fancy ?

The Winther Kangaroo trike with 4 adjustable child seats. We were looking for a cargo bike that was big enough and well-equipped enough to transport four young children. When our twins were born, our two eldest were five and three years old. For the whole family to get around, we needed four seats. Now the two eldest can ride their own bikes and only occasionally take a ride on the cargo bike.

Was there anything specific that inspired you to take the plunge ?

The birth of our twins! As soon as they could sit up on their own, we started using the cargo bike most of the time. We have been fans of cycling in the city for a long time, and we wanted to keep as much as we could of this cheap, easy and relatively fast mode of transport.

How long have you been using your cargo bike ?  

By now we’ve been using it every day for almost four years. For travelling between home and school, work, visiting friends, days out at the weekend, you name it, we get the cargo bike out. We use it to transport the shopping too: it really works hard for us. We can transport the equivalent of a week’s shopping for a family of six in it without difficulty.

Has the cargo bike changed your daily life ?

Yes, it really has, I think it’s our smartest purchase ever. The cargo bike has totally simplified our schedule. The amount of time you save on short, everyday journeys is beyond doubt. We get to school on time, relaxed, without being dependent on the traffic or tram timetables. We’re also proud that we can contribute to a cleaner world in our own way and get our children to join in with that.

Is a cargo bike difficult to ride ?

When we bought our cargo bike, the salesman gave us a ‘driving lesson’. We soon learned the right posture and balance. They are very stable bikes with a broad base. Obviously, we ride carefully for the safety of the children and of other road users. Given that cargo bikes are a bit ‘unusual-looking’, car drivers usually take care of our safety.

Do you have any advice for those who are hesitating to take the plunge ?

I’d advise people to get used to riding a normal bike in the city first before considering buying a cargo bike. I’d also advise them to choose their shop carefully, one that offers good advice and isn’t too far from home for when they need servicing and minor repairs. Last but not least, don’t hesitate to ask any cargo bikers you meet for their opinions.

What type of cargo bike caught your fancy ?

We went for a Load75 Riese & Muller because it’s a reliable bike with all the qualities we need to transport our three children.

Was there anything specific that inspired you to take the plunge ?

We had already wanted a cargo bike for some time, but the price was a problem. So what made it happen? The opportunity for my wife to lease the bike through her work.

How long have you been using your cargo bike ?

For one year. We use it every day, whatever the weather, to take the children to school and pick them up at the end of the day. We also use it to go to work, do the shopping, take the children to their activities and for most of our excursions within a radius of 15 to 20 km.

Has the cargo bike changed your daily life ?

We simply don’t need our car anymore. Traffic jams don’t have any effect on our journey time at all, and suddenly we’re always on time! Taking the three children on a trip is much easier now, especially because our model is an electric one. Whereas two years ago I would have taken the car to get to work in the evening or at the weekend, for example, well, I just don’t anymore. And the same is true for longer distances: a journey of 20 to 30 km is no problem.

Is a cargo bike difficult to ride ?

It’s true we had to get used to it in the beginning. It took about a week or two. Then even the technical manoeuvres you sometimes need in Brussels traffic were no longer a problem. It became our favourite bike in less than a month.

Do you have any advice for those who are hesitating to take the plunge ?

Most of the people we know who have a cargo bike say they should have got one earlier, it’s such fun. I’d have to agree. Knowing what we know now, we could have taken that decision without even having the option to lease a bike.

What type of cargo bike caught your fancy ?

We were seduced by the longtail electric Bike 43. Before making our choice, we tested several models at a workshop run by Bike Experience Brussels. The Bike 43 rides almost like an ordinary bike: its low centre of gravity makes the children’s seats very stable, and we can easily ride alongside our eldest son.

Was there anything specific that inspired you to take the plunge ?

Actually we’d been mulling it over for quite a while. But I’d been taking the tram for years, so it didn’t really feel urgent. Testing the Bike 43 was love at first ride, though. Suddenly everything speeded up. Public transport during the pandemic, a new baby on the way and expectations of a stricter low-emission zone all contributed to our decision.

How long have you been using your cargo bike ? 

Since November 2020. We use our cargo bike every day to go to work and take the children to school. It’s practical for big shopping trips too. This summer, we’re going to try some excursions a bit further afield!

Has the cargo bike changed your daily life ?

In fact our plan has always been to live in the city and use the car as little as possible. Our cargo bike is the result of that process. 
And it’s true that a bike can make you happy! You start the day with a breath of fresh air, you cross the park on your way, you give the neighbours a cheerful wave, you arrive at your destination on time and in a good mood... You experience the city differently with a cargo bike than you would in a car or a packed-out tram.

Is a cargo bike difficult to ride ?

We tested several models. We thought some of them didn’t seem as easy to ride, or that they’d at least need time to get used to. What we loved so much about the longtail was how easy it was to ride.

Do you have any advice for those who are hesitating to take the plunge ?

Ask for advice, and above all, test some different bikes! There are opportunities to try them for one or two weeks. That’s ideal to get a really good sense of what life is like with a cargo bike. Another thing is that we need to keep campaigning for better infrastructure for bikes in Brussels, more cycle lanes and more secure parking.