January 31, 2022 - In April 2021, two entrepreneurs launched NRBI (Near By), a new zero carbon e-cargo bike delivery service in Toronto. Their passion to provide state-of-the-art logistics solutions for local businesses saw immediate success, and it’s gaining momentum as part of a global movement for sustainable green transportation, in cities around the world that are striving to be “green” and more liveable.
Ivan Waissbluth, the owner of Bespoke Butchers, an organic bucher shop in Toronto and a cargo bike rider himself, was looking to make deliveries more economical and carbon-friendly. When he crossed paths with Nick Gaganiaris, who had a successful career in logistics and supply chain, the two became friends, and the wheels began to turn. With help from associates like Sam Starr, a logistics and mobility consultant out in Vancouver and founder of Critical Mobility, NRBI took shape and debuted in spring last year.
In fall 2021 Dave Edwards, a passionate rider and advocate for cycling, was a former banker looking into cycling options for a second career. He signed up as a part-time delivery driver for NRBI and loved the concept. With great insights into Toronto’s cycling scene – he helps run several social media sites such as @BikeTO, @CargoBikeTO and others – Edwards became a partner.
“Reactions on the street are very positive – people are mostly blown away when they see you riding a “cool” e-cargo bike,” he laughs. “They love receiving their goods by bike and they’re impressed… conversation comes easy and they have many questions.”
Local businesses love the concept as well but according to Edwards the “green” aspect is a bonus. “Companies like the carbon-free aspect within our service formula, but the bottom line is that they need and want to see fast, safe, and efficient deliveries, that save money and make customers happy,” says Edwards.
Are the new bikes lanes that have been recently activated, along with new initiatives for better cycling infrastructure overall in Toronto helping? “Absolutely, the improvements and new mind-set are welcome, but there’s so much more to do,” explains Edwards. “We see the shortcomings every day from construction zones, to bike paths that end abruptly, to no snow clearance, there’s lots to fix to make the city more cycling-friendly, safe and equitable for businesses and residents.”
NRBI currently has four e-cargo bikes on the road each with massive capacity. Two units are eye-catching aquamarine-coloured Pro Trike Centaurs made by Babboe, based in Holland, with 850 liters of cargo space (up to 450 lbs). “They were secured via Fourth Floor Distribution which is a sister company of Curbside Cyle, a local bike shop in Toronto,” commented Edwards.
Their other two e-cargo bikes are black Triobike Cargo Big units out of Denmark, which were acquired through Allo Velo, the Canadian distributor based in Montreal which also operates as a retail bike shop and has a second outlet in Vancouver.
“We’re also renting a Carla Cargo bike trailer via our friends at Our Greenway,” he added. “We’re excited about our growth and have five Triobikes on order but the supply chain issues in the bicycle industry are slowing things down for us like many in the business. The rental unit is helping us bridge the gap.”
NRBI has been making steady progress within their defined core area bounded by St. Clair Ave (north), Landsdown Ave. (west), Coxwell Ave. (east) and Lake Ontario (south). But they make exceptions which factors into their expansion plans.
“The ideal delivery distance is 5km,” explains Edwards. “That’s the sweet spot for last-mile deliveries, and we’re looking at expanding and setting up another hub in the west end of the city.”
How about big players like FedEx and Purolator that are getting into the game? “It’s great as established players will help with overall acceptance and hopefully speed up the process in cities and municipalities for more infrastructure,” he commented. “We’re seeing more cargo bikes so we don’t feel alone out there, but more are needed along with better infrastructure for mor equitable and safe mobility space for all users. The Europeans and others have shown what’s possible.”
NRBI’s biggest challenge has been juggling the operation and maintaining flexibility while trying to expand with such a small crew of five and a fleet of four e-cargo bikes as demand keeps growing. “If an e-cargo bike needs a repair, or a driver is detained or sick, we can be under the gun. Still we’re in much better shape with almost a year under our belt and see lots of opportunity going forward,” he added.
Toronto recent approval of an e-cargo bikes delivery program in conjunction with a provincial micromobility pilot to reduce emissions and congestion won’t affect NRBI as it pertains to e-cargo bikes weighing more than 120 kilograms. But Edwards says it’s another positive step for the segment.
“The announcement shines a spotlight on e-cargo bikes and that’s a good sign as the general public is still really not as familiar with them as they are in Europe – but we’re getting there,” he explained.
What about the new Bicycle Mayor of Toronto – a first for the city. “We know Lanrick Jr Bennett and he’s a great choice for Toronto’s first bicycle mayor. He’s passionate and will be a big proponent for cycling in the city,” commented Edwards.
Despite not having incentive programs in Ontario yet for personal or commercial use of e-cargo bikes, Edwards remains hopeful, “Rebates are a no-brainer if you want to encourage people to change. We’ll continue to forge ahead and hope that something’s on the horizon sooner than later.”
What lies ahead for NRBI are multiple hubs around the city of Toronto, 20-30 e-cargo bikes, and yes other cities are in their long-term plans. “We want to get good at what we do here first, but sure other provinces offer great potential, and there’s nothing wrong with looking south of the border as well,” he added.
Read more about NRBI in the “Decade of the Cargo Bike Rap” here.
For more information visit the NRBI web site here.
