Yes, Paris has its own bicycle hearse

In the burgeoning bicycle city of Paris, France, those looking for a more gentle, environmentally friendly funeral service now have the option of a hearse powered by a cargo bike.

The Corbicyclette, a name combining the French words for bicycle and hearse, was created by Isabelle Plumereau, the founder of Le Ciel & La Terre funeral directors and it was designed and manufactured by Carapate-Design in Nantes.

“I had dreamed of making this idea a reality for several years,” said Plumereau. “We needed a bike big and powerful enough to accommodate this precious load and a partner to fit it out by combining strength, lightness, and stability, with a soft, pretty, comforting design. I fell in love with the Carapate Aventure caravans, designed by Fabien Denis and Jean-Marie Reymond in an ethical and responsible approach. They were immediately enthusiastic about this challenge!”

Funeral services have a large environmental impact, so any new options that offer a more sustainable approach are welcome.

According to Le Ciel & La Terre, the hearse is anchored to the platform of an electrically assisted steel three-wheeled bicycle, the airtight compartment intended to accommodate the coffin is made of solid, light, natural and environmentally friendly marine plywood.

The Corbicyclette is a soft mobility option that is quiet, and doesn’t emit any noxious fumes and greenhouse gas. In addition, it is ideally suited for the city center of Paris, which is being reworked to make it more difficult for motorized vehicles and easier for active transportation including cargo bikes.

“The Corbicyclette is a solution adapted to our city centers in full mutation,” states Le Ciel & La Terre. “Rolling on the road as much as on cycle paths, it saves time for urban travel.”

Bicycle hearses do exist in other areas including, of course, Copenhagen. There was also a funeral home in Eugene, Oregon that offered a similar service.