'Bikeboys' deliver São Paolo's internal mail

Achieving both economic and environmental gains, the Green Areas and Environmental Secretary of the City of São Paulo (SVMA) has begun a pilot project to encourage the use of bicycle delivery services.

In most Brazilian cities, especially in fast-paced metropolitan areas like São Paulo, the norm is to use motorcycle courier services. These vehicles are 10 times more polluting than a car cause São Paulo transit and safety problems. Critics argue that São Paulo’s hilly topography does not allow bike couriers to transit with ease. The 'bikeboys' of the current pilot phase are therefore mainly expected to make quick deliveries of internal documents and small packages in the municipal organizations in the city center, which is rather flat. The service is prescribed in accordance to the National Traffic Council (CONTRAN) and the “bikeboys” wear safety equipment and a photo identification tag. 

Obstacles

Implementing this service was not easy: "Companies that work with motorcycle couriers do not normally have information about the bicycle option” said Meire Fonseca, from the city government. Motorcyclist were not supportive of the decision and acted against the hiring, claiming only they were authorized to provide delivery services. Nonetheless, the procurement process specify that the service should be non-motorized.

Benefits

The financial and environmental benefits from the use of bicycle couriers are many: decreased fuel demand, reduced time spent in traffic and the elimination of parking expenses; streets are less congested and there is a decrease in air, visual and sound pollution; and it contributes to the mitigation of climate change and promotes sustainable development.