Cargo bike community growing with races, festivals, and fun events

Ok, it might not be the Tour de France or one of those other fancy spandex-laden bicycle races, but Aug. 20 is the date of the biggest little cargo bike race on the planet — Copenhagen’s famed Svajerløb. And why not cargo bikes? They have been exploding in popularity and social events, races and festivals are popping up right alongside.

The race dates back to Copenhagen in the early 20th century when an army of cargo bikes met the transportation needs of the growing city. As legend has it, and as recounted by Copenhagenize.com, “a priest named Kristian Skjerring decided to change things for the better. He wanted to give the svajere a pedestal on which to stand. He organised what became known as a Svajerløb in the city — a cargo bike race for these bicycle messengers. He raised money through the races to send the young men to summer camps.”

The races were a success, garnering the svajere some much-needed respect around the city. But by 1960 gas-powered vehicles had replaced pedal-power for moving goods around town en masse, and the races died out.

Then came the cargo bike revival led by a few prominent players including the brand Larry vs. Harry. And, it was the founder of this company, famous for its Bullitt cargo bike, who decided to bring Svajerløb back to the cobblestones of Copenhagen.

Now, the non-profit event is set for Aug. 20 with the help of volunteers and a small entry fee that is used for prizes and race organization.

According to organizers, the race isn’t just for sporty types, as a cargo bike race requires a high degree of skill from the participants to negotiate the course. And this is as good a place as any to host a cargo bike race, as there are an estimated 40,000 in Copenhagen right now.

There are women’s and men’s tournaments on the same day and all sorts of cargo bikes can participate. Participants will compete in mixed teams of four.

“You don’t have to be an athlete, it’s the sportsmanship that counts,” state organizers. “And the possibility to spend a wonderful day with like-minded people.”

And, it’s not just this race. As more and more people get cargo bikes fostering a growing cargo bike community, other races and events are taking place around the world.

For instance, just this week the Carry Shit Olympics took place in Portland. While up in Canada, a Cargo Bike Picnic was held at Ivey Park in London, Ontario.

The Flying Elephant cargo bike race is scheduled for Sept. 18 in Augsburg, Germany. And more can be found at race hub Cargobikerace.com.

There is also an international cargo bike festival that takes place in The Netherlands each fall.

The cargo bike community is growing, and it’s a beautiful thing.

Interested in cargo bikes? Check out this article.