Almost 600 cargo bikes funded by the state so far
The state of Brandenburg has funded the purchase of almost 600 cargo bikes since 2021. "So far, the funding program for cargo bikes has been a success. This is shown by the applications and approvals of recent years," emphasized a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Transport. Already in the first funding year 2021, 276 bikes were funded. In the current year, there were around 130 bikes, the spokesperson said.
As a rule, the Ministry of Infrastructure supports the purchase of cargo bikes and cargo bike trailers with and without electric drive with up to 50 percent. If they are made available to the general public, the state even provides funding of up to 80 percent, the spokesperson explained. In 2021, around 443,000 euros were provided by the state. The following year, it was around 420,000 euros. A final figure for 2023 is not yet available, according to the spokesperson. However: "A total of 650,000 euros is available for the 2023 and 2024 financial years."
According to the ministry, the state sees cargo bikes as a way to reduce noise, exhaust fumes and congestion in road traffic. The bikes are "another important component of the climate and mobility transition", according to the Ministry of Transport's website.
According to the ministry, municipalities, associations based in Brandenburg or businesses based in Brandenburg are eligible for funding. However, those seeking funding must explain the reason for the purchase. "As part of the approval process, the use of the object of funding must be explained and will be checked by the State Office for Construction and Transport (LBV) as the approval authority," explained the spokesperson.
This year, the call for funding ended in July. However, interest is still noticeable, according to the spokesperson. "The regular inquiries to the LBV and the Ministry of Transport as to whether and when applications can be submitted again indicate that there is still great interest in the funding of cargo bikes."
In the current traffic scenario, encouraging the use of cargo bikes could help alleviate congestion. Despite the funding call ending in July, numerous inquiries indicate a persistent interest in acquiring funded bicycles for business or municipal purposes.
Source: www.dpa.com
