Absolutely!
The Dutch have probably developed the cargo bike more than anywhere else
I've been. There are already eight or ten companies offering cargo bikes
based on a) the Danish Long John two wheeled design or b) the
Christiana/Italian tricycle. However, be careful which (concept) you
chose......
There is (was) a group working on cargo bike design and evaluation at Delft,
the results of which were broadcast in a Dutch consumer TV programme, Kassa:
http://kassa.vara.nl/tests/details/tpid/120/test/de-bakfietsentest/
(click on the bit that says "Bekijk hier het filmpje".)
Unfortunately it's in Dutch, but it's pretty clear what the findings
are....tricycles are Ok if you ride slowly and it's flat. The two wheeler
(Long John) type are better and more flexible and adaptable in use (I'm
biased as say that's the one I've owned since 1997). You need to examine
both the basic dynamics of the offerings, the (range and weight of) loads
being carried along with gears and brakes offered (so remaining cognisant of
the topography of the location you're using it in)..
The most popular manufacturer (of two wheeled cargo bikes) is Bakfiets:
http://bakfiets.nl/nl/modellen/
These were introduced in 2004/2005 and the manufacturer has two sizes, long
and short wheelbase (long being equivalent to a Long John), and developed a
whole host of accessories to make carrying things and kids easier. They
have only one dealer here (in Cambridge) so.......
As there are a huge number of dealers in Holland your best bet is to take
the Harwich - Hoek ferry, buy one and the desired bits and, pedal it back
via the same ferry and any necessary trains. I've taken my Long John back
and fore to Holland on a number of occasions, and never really had a problem
on the trains (it's about the length and width of a regular tandem loaded
for touring). That said, that was a while ago and I'm not sure how it would
work now. As there's commonality of tax there's no import or VAT payable.
But....personally, I wouldn't touch a tricycle in this country, too
dangerous dynamically. But don't listen to me...watch the film!
Cheers
John Meudell
-----Original Message-----
From: Cycling and Society Research Group discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jason Meggs
Sent: 24 June 2012 02:28
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Rent or Purchase Bicycle in Amsterdam?
This question has fostered another: whether it makes sense to purchase a
cargo bicycle in Amsterdam and ship it to another country.
Any thoughts on this?
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