ITALY – Cargo Bikes Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Change in Milan

  • A New Model for Delivery in Milan

Delivery workers, essential to our daily lives, face challenging conditions despite their critical role. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their importance, yet many couriers still lack security, insurance, and fair wages. Many, particularly immigrant workers, operate without formal contracts, leaving them without social or legal protections.

So.De: Social Delivery for a Fairer Future

To address these issues, So.De – Social Delivery, co-founded by Lucia Borso, is championing a new delivery model in Milan. Through a civic crowdfunding initiative supported by the Municipality of Milan, So.De is rethinking urban logistics with a focus on sustainability and inclusion. The organization has partnered with IKEA Italy to use cargo bikes for zero-emission deliveries, aligning with IKEA’s goal to fully electrify its last-mile logistics by 2025.

  • A Model for Social Impact

So.De’s approach is not just eco-friendly but socially impactful. At least 30% of its workforce is recruited from vulnerable populations, offering dignified jobs and a pathway to social integration. Workers receive hourly pay, contractual protections, and a collaborative work environment, prioritizing safety over speed.

  • Cargo Bikes: Efficient, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective

Cargo bikes offer a practical alternative to vans, reducing emissions and often outpacing vans in urban traffic. Research shows they’re 25% more productive in cities like Amsterdam and can cut emissions by 55% in places like London.

  • Milan Pioneers Sustainable Delivery

Milan’s commitment to sustainable delivery showcases how urban logistics can evolve to meet social and environmental needs, setting an example for cities across Europe.

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*This event is not organized by the French Government. However we have been allowed by the French Government to use the emblem of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.