What is hybrid delivery?

Hybrid delivery combines van-based courier services with cargo bike operations, matching the right vehicle to each job. Vans handle larger loads and longer routes, while cargo bikes navigate dense urban areas faster with zero emissions.

How much faster are cargo bikes than vans in Bristol city centre?

Real-world data from UK cities shows electric cargo bikes often deliver 60% faster than vans in dense urban areas, achieving around 10 parcels per hour compared to 6 for vans, by bypassing congestion and parking issues.

Who is Pedal Collective?

Pedal Collective is a Bristol-based cargo bike delivery specialist. Many of their team members come from Zedify, a trailblazing cargo bike network, bringing extensive expertise in electric bike handling, urban navigation, and sustainable last-mile operations.

Hybrid Delivery Bristol: Vans + Cargo Bikes

The launch of our partnership between Send It Direct and Pedal Collective marks an exciting evolution in same-day logistics for Bristol. By combining Send It Direct's established van-based courier services with Pedal Collective's specialised cargo bike operations, local businesses gain access to a flexible, hybrid model perfectly suited to the city's distinctive mix of hilly terrain, dense urban centres, cycle-friendly paths, and ongoing drive toward sustainable transport.

Tailored Efficiency for Bristol's Unique Landscape

Bristol's geography and traffic create real challenges for traditional delivery fleets. Vans shine when it comes to larger loads, longer routes to suburbs like Filton or Keynsham, or handling poor weather reliably. Cargo bikes, however, navigate narrow streets, bypass congestion in hotspots like the city centre or Cabot Circus, and make full use of dedicated cycle lanes and bus gates for quicker urban drops.

Real-world data from UK cities (including trials in similar environments) shows electric cargo bikes often deliver 60% faster than vans in dense areas, achieving higher drop-off rates — around 10 parcels per hour compared to 6 for vans — while avoiding parking hassles and congestion charges. This hybrid setup matches the vehicle to the task: bikes for agile, last-mile efficiency in places like Clifton or Harbourside, and vans for bulk or extended hauls. The result? Faster overall fulfilment, fewer delays, and a more responsive service that keeps customers happy.

Lowering the Risk of Going Green

Send It Direct and Pedal Collective team walking with cargo bike in Bristol

Many Bristol businesses want to embrace greener delivery options to appeal to eco-aware customers and align with the city's clean air ambitions. Fully switching to bikes can feel risky, especially with varying parcel sizes, peak periods, or unexpected issues like heavier items or route changes.

Our partnership removes that barrier. Businesses can trial bike deliveries for short urban runs with confidence, knowing Send It Direct's vans provide a reliable backup to handle any overflow or challenges. This "safety net" encourages more companies to experiment with zero-emission options without jeopardising service quality, helping accelerate Bristol's shift to lower-carbon logistics.

Specialised Expertise That Delivers Excellence

Send It Direct and Pedal Collective founders shaking hands with cargo bikes in Bristol harbour

A core strength of this collaboration is the deep, focused experience each partner contributes. Send It Direct's team brings decades of proven expertise in van operations — mastering same-day routing, tech-enabled tracking, full insurance, and high-reliability delivery for time-sensitive or high-value items across the UK.

Pedal Collective draws on extensive cargo bike knowledge, with many team members coming from Zedify (a trailblazing cargo bike network). They specialise in electric bike handling, urban navigation, rider welfare, and sustainable last-mile operations.

Rather than blurring the lines between vehicle types or stretching one team to cover both, the partnership leverages each company's craft: vans for what they do best, bikes for their strengths. This focused commitment ensures top-tier performance in every delivery. Looking ahead, this strong foundation could enable even closer integration — such as shared operations teams or systems — to further streamline services for customers.

Real Value: Speed, Savings, Sustainability, and Brand Appeal

Send It Direct and Pedal Collective team with cargo bike outside One Glass Wharf, Bristol

The hybrid model translates to tangible benefits:

Faster delivery times through optimised routing and congestion avoidance.
Lower costs — bikes dramatically reduce fuel, maintenance, and parking expenses, while vans provide scale for bigger jobs.
Reduced environmental impact — aligning with Bristol's sustainability goals, zero-emission bike routes cut urban pollution and CO₂, and Send It Direct's carbon-neutral practices (including tree planting per delivery) add further offsets.
Stronger branding for businesses that support local, green logistics in an eco-conscious city.

Whether you're a small independent or a growing enterprise, this partnership makes it easier to deliver quickly, affordably, and responsibly — without the usual compromises.

Ready to Transform Your Bristol Deliveries?

Explore how vans + bikes can work for your business. Get in touch with Send It Direct today → Let's keep the city moving smarter, greener, and more efficiently.