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E-cargo bikes can replace car trips and reshape family travel

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E-cargo bikes can replace car trips and reshape family travel


An e-cargo bike by the riverside. Credit: The ELEVATE project

Electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes can replace many car journeys, from school runs to shopping trips and family outings, according to new research. They also have the potential to shift how families and communities perceive cycling, making it a more practical and inclusive everyday option.

The research shows that e-cargo bikes can do many of the jobs we rely on cars for, while also bringing the of cycling. The research is also helping to normalize cycling and change views in places where cycling doesn’t always have a positive image.

Researchers analyzed the experiences of 49 households who trialed e-cargo bikes as part of a loan scheme in British suburbs. The study included researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Brighton and University of Leeds University of Oxford.

New social norms

Published in the journal Geoforum, the study found that e-cargo bikes are not only practical alternatives to cars for some but also foster new social norms and cultural identities around family, community and sustainable travel.

They showed that e-cargo bikes offer a hybrid experience for users, allowing interaction between riders and passengers, somewhat vehicle-like, while still connecting users to their local surroundings.

Key findings of the study include the following:

  • Everyday practicality: Study participants used e-cargo bikes for lots of reasons including school runs, food shopping and commuting, trips often seen as only possible by car. More than a technical trait, this everyday practicality encourages a cultural shift, normalizing cycling as utility activity beyond leisure or sport.
  • Family mobility: Unlike conventional cycling by individuals, e-cargo bikes often involved carrying children or passengers, creating a sense of shared family travel. It enabled interactions between rider and passengers, not hugely dissimilar to traveling by car.
  • Community connection: Riders reported feeling more connected to local communities compared to car use, describing e-cargo cycling as “part of the neighborhood.”
  • Novel and unconventional: While most interactions were positive, some riders experienced feelings of being unconventional or out-of-place, linked to concerns over child safety.

More than a novelty

Clara Glachant of the Eindhoven University of Technology and lead author of the study, said, “This trial shows e-cargo bikes are more than a novelty. They can fit into everyday family life. Our findings suggest that e-cargo cycling may help cultivate a cycling culture both at the household level and the community level. They may reshape ideas of who belongs on the road, who is entitled to space. This could help to reduce anti-cyclist sentiment which would help active travel contribute more to sustainable transport.

“It’s also about culture: people’s habits, identities and perceptions of transport. Our research shows e-cargo bikes can help reshape these, challenging what psychologist Ian Walker has coined ‘motonormativity,’ a concept that describes society’s unconscious acceptance of car dominance and making cycling feel like a more normal, mainstream choice.”

The ELEVATE project

Professor Ian Philips of the University of Leeds, who leads the ELEctric Vehicles for Active and Digital TravEl (ELEVATE) project, said, “The ELEVATE project is about understanding who might benefit from using e-cargo bikes and other e-micromobility in what circumstances and to understand if that has a positive effect on , health and other important aspects of people’s lives.

“Clara’s work on the project helps us see more about how e-cargo bikes fit into daily life in terms of culture, perceptions and identities around active travel.”

Combining innovative technology

Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), said, “This research shows that transforming transport sustainably means combining innovative technology with an understanding of people’s everyday choices and behaviors.

“New designs in e-cargo bikes are making them more practical and accessible, helping families replace short car trips. They can cut congestion and emissions while opening up cycling to more women and children. Through projects like ELEVATE, EPSRC is supporting innovations that have the potential to change how we travel and create healthier, more connected communities.”

Individual perceptions

The research highlights that shifting towards low-carbon transport isn’t just about infrastructure or technology but also about how people perceive themselves and cultural perceptions associated with transport modes.

The National Travel Survey data published in 2024, shows while 81% of journeys under one mile in length in 2023 were made by foot, 17% were made by car or van.

For journeys between one and five miles, 69% were made by car or van, compared to 19% by foot and 6% by bus. Between five and 10 miles, 83% of journeys were made by car or van.

More connected communities

Encouraging e-cargo bike use could help reduce urban congestion, lower emissions and create healthier, more connected communities.

The researchers add that as cycle commuting in the UK is male-dominated, e-cargo bikes may help include more women and children in utility .

More information:
Clara Glachant et al, Between or Beyond Bicycles and Cars? Navigating E-Cargo Bike Citizenship in the Transition to Sustainable Urban Mobility, Geoforum (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2025.104416

Citation:
E-cargo bikes can replace car trips and reshape family travel (2025, October 10)
retrieved 10 October 2025
from https://techxplore.com/news/2025-10-cargo-bikes-car-reshape-family.html

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part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.





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VTL Group boosts output by 10% with Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution

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VTL Group boosts output by 10% with Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution



Coats Digital is delighted to announce that VTL Group, one of the largest vertically integrated textile manufacturers in the Mediterranean region, has adopted Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution to standardise production methods, increase productivity, and improve pricing accuracy across its Tunisian operations. The initiative is already showing a significant impact, with VTL reducing standard minute values (SMVs) by 15–20% and increasing line output by 10% across its three, key sewing facilities.

With over 5,000 employees and 3,000 sewing machines across 90 sewing lines, VTL Group specialises in jersey knits and denim, producing up to 20 million garments per year for world-renowned brands such as Lacoste, Adidas, G-Star, Hugo Boss, Replay and Paul & Shark. The company operates six garment production units, along with dedicated facilities for screen printing, knitting, dyeing and textile finishing. This extensive vertical integration gives VTL complete control over quality, lead-times and cost-efficiency, which is vital for meeting the stringent demands of its global customer base.

VTL Group has adopted Coats Digital’s GSDCost to standardise production, boost productivity, and improve pricing accuracy across its Tunisian operations.
The solution cut SMVs by 15–20 per cent, raised line output by 10 per cent, and enhanced planning, cost accuracy, and customer confidence, enabling competitive pricing, lean operations, and stronger relationships with global fashion brands.

Prior to implementing GSDCost, VTL calculated capacity and product pricing using data from internal time catalogues stored in Excel. This approach led to inconsistent and inaccurate cost estimations, causing both lost contracts due to inflated production times and reduced margins from underestimations. In some cases, delays caused by misaligned time predictions resulted in increased transportation costs and operational inefficiencies that impacted customer satisfaction.

Hichem Kordoghli, Plant Manager, VTL Group, said: “Before GSDCost, we struggled with inconsistent operating times that directly impacted our competitiveness. We lost orders when our timings were too high and missed profits when they were too low. GSDCost has transformed the way we approach planning, enabling us to quote confidently with accurate, reliable data. We’ve already seen up to 20% reductions in SMVs, a 10% rise in output, and improved customer confidence. It’s a game-changer for our sales and production teams.”

Since adopting GSDCost across 50 sewing lines, VTL Group has been able to establish a reliable baseline for production planning and line efficiency monitoring. This has led to a more streamlined approach to managing load plans and forecasting. Importantly, GSDCost has given the business the flexibility to align pricing more effectively with actual production realities, contributing to greater customer satisfaction and improved profit margins.

Although it’s too early to determine the exact financial impact, VTL Group has already realised improvements in pricing flexibility and competitiveness thanks to shorter product times and better planning. These gains are seen as instrumental in enabling the company to pursue more strategic orders, reduce wasted effort and overtime, and maintain the high expectations of leading global fashion brands.

Hichem Kordoghli, Plant Manager, VTL Group, added: “GSDCost has empowered our teams with reliable data that has translated directly into real operational benefits. We are seeing more consistent line performance, enhanced planning precision, and greater confidence across departments. These improvements are helping us build stronger relationships with our brand partners, while setting the foundation for sustainable productivity gains in the future.”

The company now plans to expand usage across an additional 30 lines in 2025, supported by a second phase of GSD Practitioner Bootcamp training to strengthen in-house expertise and embed best practices throughout the production environment. A further 10 lines are expected to follow in 2026 as part of VTL’s phased rollout strategy.

Liz Bamford, Customer Success Manager, Coats Digital, commented: “We are proud to support VTL Group in their digital transformation journey. The impressive improvements in planning accuracy, quoting precision, and cross-functional alignment are a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. GSDCost is helping VTL set a new benchmark for operational transparency and performance in the region, empowering their teams with the tools needed for long-term success.”

GSDCost, Coats Digital’s method analysis and pre-determined times solution, is widely acknowledged as the de-facto international standard across the sewn products industry. It supports a more collaborative, transparent, and sustainable supply chain in which brands and manufacturers establish and optimise ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times. This shared framework supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments.

Key Benefits and ROI for VTL Group

  • 15–20% reduction in SMVs across 50 production lines
  • 10% productivity increase across key sewing facilities
  • More competitive pricing for strategic sales opportunities
  • Improved cost accuracy and quotation flexibility
  • Standardised time benchmarks for future factory expansion
  • Enhanced planning accuracy and load plan management
  • Greater alignment with lean and sustainable manufacturing goals
  • Increased brand confidence and satisfaction among premium customers
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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Adidas Promo Codes: Up to 40% Off in January 2026

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Adidas Promo Codes: Up to 40% Off in January 2026


No matter how my style may change, I always consider Adidas the ultimate shoes for effortlessly cool people. With celebrity endorsements from pro athletes like David Beckham to music icons like Pharrell and Bad Bunny, Adidas has cemented itself firmly in the current zeitgeist. Although most known for classic sneaker styles like Sambas (beloved by skaters and boys I had crushes on in high school), Adidas also has always-stylish apparel, slides, running shoes, and more. WIRED has Adidas promo codes so you too can be cool—but on a budget.

Unlock 15% Adidas Promo Codes With Sign Up

Become a member of the cool kids club with Adidas membership program, adiClub. adiClub gives you free shipping, discount vouchers, and members-only exclusives. When you join, you’ll get instant benefits, points on purchases, and you can get rewards, exclusive experiences, products, vouchers, and more. Right now, when you sign up to be an adiClub member you’ll get a 15% Adidas promo code to save on a fresh pair of sneaks or athleisurewear fit.

There is more than one way to save. You can get 15% off by signing up for adiClub, either with your email, or by downloading the adidas or CONFIRMED app on your phone. After, you’ll find the 15% off welcome offer in your account ​​under “Vouchers and Gift Cards.” Then, you’ll just need to paste it in the promo code step at checkout to save. You’ll instantly get 100 adiClub points, plus an additional 100 when you create a profile. Plus, when you sign up for the brand email newsletter, a unique promo code will be sent to your inbox to use for more savings.

Explore Adidas Coupons and 2026 Sale Deals For 60% Off Trending Shoes

As aforementioned, I think the Samba OG shoes are the most classic style you can get—I mean OG is in the name. The style gives an effortless cool vibe that’s stood the test of time. The classic Samba is now 20% off. Always-popular Campus 00s blend the skater aesthetic with contemporary tastes, making them another modern classic, starting at $66, now 40% off. The Gazelle Bold shoe comes in a bunch of fun colorways, making them a versatile choice for any stylish shoe-wearer, now on sale. Plus, you can get 40% off Handball Spezial shoes (starting at $66) and 30% off the Superstar II shoes (starting at $70).

Some of the best ways to save big are just through navigating the Adidas website—make sure you’re browsing styles under $80, and check the final clearance sale styles for up to 60% off. Plus, there are always discounts on certain colorways or materials of the same type of shoe.

Students, Military Members, and Healthcare Workers Can Unlock 30% Off at Adidas

Adidas doesn’t want your kid going back to school after holiday break with the same ol’ same ol’ and that’s why Adidas student discount gets your kid (or you, lifelong learner) 30% off full-price items with UNiDAYS online and a 15% discount in-store. Join now and verify your status with UNiDAYS. All you’ll need to do is enter the code provided from UNiDAYS during checkout, and you can get discounts of up to $1,000.

Heroic and stylish? That’s hot. The Adidas heroes discount gives thanks by giving verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers 30% off online and in-store (and 15% off at factory outlets). To redeem the heroes discount, you must complete verification through ID.me, then you’ll apply your unique discount code that will be sent to your inbox. A fireman in a pair of Sambas? Come rescue me, it’s burning up in here.

Be sure to check back regularly as we check back for more Adidas promo codes and other discounts, especially as the holiday (and shopping) season approaches oh-too-quickly.

Adidas Free Shipping Deals for adiClub and Prime Members

I’ve talked to you about all of the perks adiClub members get, but they also get free standard shipping on every order, which usually ships in 3-5 business days. With the membership, you’ll also get free returns or exchanges on any order!

Plus, if you’re already a Prime member, you’ll get 2-3 day free shipping without needing to join adiClub. Through this, you can conveniently track order in your Amazon Prime account; it will even show your delivery date info once you select your size.

Pay Less Now With These Adidas Financing Options

Adidas makes it easy for anyone to get the gift of great style. Adidas offers Klarna, the financing service on purchases, which allows you to pay later (in 30 days), or in 4 interest-free installments. Plus, with Klarna, you can try your order before you buy it).

There’s also the Afterpay buy option, which allows you to buy shoes now, and pay for them in four payments made every 2 weeks without any interest! This Afterpay option is eligible on any order above $50. If you’d rather pay with PayPal Pay, you can pay in 4 installments (eligible on purchases from $30 to $1,500). You can also pay over 6 weeks, starting with paying for only 25% of your order today, then the rest will be split into 3 additional payments.



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Meta’s Layoffs Leave Supernatural Fitness Users in Mourning

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Meta’s Layoffs Leave Supernatural Fitness Users in Mourning


Tencia Benavidez, a Supernatural user who lives in New Mexico, started her VR workouts during the Covid pandemic. She has been a regular user in the five years since, calling the ability to workout in VR ideal, given that she lives in a rural area where it’s hard to get to a gym or workout outside during a brutal winter. She stuck with Supernatural because of the community and the eagerness of Supernatural’s coaches.

“They seem like really authentic individuals that were not talking down to you,” Benavidez says. “There’s just something really special about those coaches.”

Meta bought Supernatural in 2022, folding it into its then-heavily invested in metaverse efforts. The purchase was not a smooth process, as it triggered a lengthy legal battle in which the US Federal Trade Commission tried to block Meta from purchasing the service due to antitrust concerns about Meta “trying to buy its way to the top” of the VR market. Meta ultimately prevailed. At the time, some Supernatural users were cautiously optimistic, hoping that big bag of Zuckerbucks could keep its workout juggernaut afloat.

“Meta fought the government to buy this thing,” Benavidez says. “All that just for them to shut it down? What was the point?”

I reached out to Meta and Supernatural, and neither responded to my requests for comment.

Waking Up to Ash and Dust

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Meta has laid off more than 1,000 people across its VR and metaverse efforts. The move comes after years of the company hemorrhaging billions of dollars on its metaverse products. In addition to laying off most of the staff at Supernatural, Meta has shut down three internal VR studios that made games like Resident Evil 4 and Deadpool VR.

“If it was a bottom line thing, I think they could have charged more money,” Goff Johnson says about Supernatural. “I think people would have paid for it. This just seems unnecessarily heartless.”

There is a split in the community about who will stay and continue to pay the subscription fee, and who will leave. Supernatural still has more than 3,000 lessons available in the service, so while new content won’t be added, some feel there is plenty of content left in the library. Other users worry about how Supernatural will continue to license music from big-name bands.

“Supernatural is amazing, but I am canceling it because of this,” Chip told me. “The library is large, so there’s enough to keep you busy, but not for the same price.”

There are other VR workout experiences like FitXR or even the VR staple Beat Saber, which Supernatural cribs a lot of design concepts from. Still, they don’t hit the same bar for many of the Supernatural faithful.

“I’m going to stick it out until they turn the lights out on us,” says Stefanie Wong, a Bay Area accountant who has used Supernatural since shortly after the pandemic and has organized and attended meetup events. “It’s not the app. It’s the community and it’s the coaches that we really, really care about.”

Welcome to the New Age

I tried out Supernatural’s Together feature on Wednesday, the day after the layoffs. It’s where I met Chip and Alisa. When we could stop to catch our breath, we talked about the changes coming to the service. They had played through previous sessions hosted by Jane Fonda or playlists with a mix of music that would change regularly. It seems the final collaboration in Supernatural’s multiplayer mode will be what we played now, an artist series featuring entirely Imagine Dragons songs.

In the session, as we punched blocks while being serenaded by this shirtless dude crooning, recorded narrations from Supernatural coach Dwana Olsen chimed in to hype us up.

“Take advantage of these moments,” Olsen said as we punched away. “Use these movements to remind you of how much awesome life you have yet to live.”

Frankly, it was downright invigorating. And bittersweet. We ended another round, sweaty, huffing and puffing. Chip, Alisa, and I high-fived like crazy and readied for another round.

“Beautiful,” Alisa said. “It’s just beautiful, isn’t it?”



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