Sustainable development plans are a frequent topic of discussion these days, particularly concerning reducing pollution. One market niche, where targeted efforts could greatly advance environmental sustainability, is delivery vehicles.
We spoke with Ivan Kroshnyi, the driving force behind the ECO Way project and the development of bicycles and related infrastructure, about this issue.
Delivery Vehicles in Numbers
The market for courier delivery services in the Emirates is estimated to be worth more than one billion dollars. Moreover, analysts predict this market will grow by up to 7.5% between now and 2026. Delivery logistics are continuously refined by businesses of all sizes, broadening the services their couriers can offer. Having lived in Dubai since the winter of 2021, I can vouch for the sophistication of this sector in the city. I frequently utilize these delivery services for various items.
Consider the US market: its volume is expected to grow by an average of 4%. Americans mainly order food or related items. Companies in this sector are expanding their offerings, resulting in an increase in orders for courier services. Looking at Asia, with Vietnam as an example, we can anticipate growth of up to 5% in this region.
Translating these growth rates into actual delivery vehicles suggests we could see several hundred thousand bicycles in a single country. The growth of online shopping will likely further bolster these numbers.
The coronavirus pandemic significantly influenced this trend. Many individuals, who would normally shop in-person or dine out, turned to delivery services during lockdowns. This shift persisted even after restrictions were lifted, with many continuing to use delivery services for the convenience they offer.
In conclusion, both the number of delivery vehicles and the market for delivery services are expanding.
The Unseen Peril of Delivery Bikes
While bicycles are eco-friendly, scooters and motorbikes, which offer greater speed flexibility, dominate the delivery sector. However, it’s a misconception to believe that these vehicles produce less pollution.
International research into the emissions of scooters and motorbikes revealed that, despite modern technological advancements, they significantly contribute to the emission of solid particles rich in polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
PAHs, which have long atmospheric lifespans, are detrimental to human health. The research suggests that scooters and motorbikes could soon be major pollution contributors compared to other transportation modes. Moreover, the ability of solid particles (up to 2.5 micrometers in size) to absorb sunlight leads to various microclimatic effects.
Airborne emissions also threaten the future of a country’s population. Elevated pollution levels have been correlated with sperm abnormalities, which are, in turn, linked to male infertility. In essence, a region’s air quality can influence its population structure.
As previously mentioned, I’ve lived in Dubai since 2021 and closely monitor state-level ecological initiatives. As a businessman, I prefer proactive approaches. Hence, we initiated ECO Way, a project aimed at transitioning delivery service couriers to environmentally-friendly vehicles. The aforementioned data underscore the importance of such measures.
Conclusion
Even if indirectly, delivery vehicles significantly influence our lives. Yet, the growing courier service market and the substantial pollution from scooters and motorbikes are often overlooked. The consequences include air pollution, health issues, increased noise, and declining birth rates. If unaddressed, these problems could intensify with the expansion of the courier delivery market. Ivan Kroshnyi’s team’s initiative for green delivery vehicles is a step forward. Transitioning to eco-friendly vehicles offers benefits for both the environment and society, paving the way for a cleaner future for subsequent generations.
Connect with Ivan Kroshnyi on LinkedIn.
