Seattle Zero Emissions Loading Zones and E-Cargo Bike Delivery

A first-of-its-kind Curbside Climate Plan that recognizes curb management as a climate asset. Each of Walker’s recommendations is estimated to eliminate between 10 and 30 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

Walker developed an innovative implementation plan for the City of Seattle to create zero emissions loading zones and an e-cargo bike program to support businesses, safety, and climate goals. Freight and commercial goods are an important and growing part of the economy, but also a significant contributor to emissions and poor air quality. To address this challenge, the City of Seattle has an ambitious goal that 30 percent of all commercial goods delivery be zero emissions by 2030, but there are barriers, including policy, costs, route planning, and infrastructure.

Walker led a research study with the City of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and C40 Cities (a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities collaborating to confront the climate crisis) to understand how to overcome these challenges to chart a path forward in support of zero emissions freight, with a focus on zero emissions loading zones and e-cargo bikes.

Walker conducted a thorough policy analysis and research effort, one-on-one interviews and surveys with stakeholders in the freight industry and local businesses, a peer review analysis of other cities that implemented zero-emissions delivery programs, and a multi-day data collection effort tracking commercial delivery patterns throughout the City. As a result, the team thoroughly understood the public and private sector obstacles and pathways to creating zero emissions fright programs.  Walker developed an actionable implementation plan for the City to incentivize the private sector to make investments in their fleets and systems, while also ensuring that small to medium businesses are supported by City programs, such as an e-cargo bike lending library.

Based on Walker’s plan, the City understands the necessary policy, administration, and engagement considerations to begin the implementation of zero-emission loading zones and e-cargo bike deliveries. Walker’s recommendations are accompanied by actionable implementation steps that the City can take, including legislative and code language. Walker’s study is a key element of the City’s Curbside Management 2023 Climate Plan. Each of Walker’s recommendations is estimated to eliminate between 10 and 30 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. The City has asked Walker to continue to help advise on implementation efforts.

Interested in learning more about the Curbside Study and Walker’s Recommendations? Read more about it here.