Green and safety skills for workers in bike based urban last mile deliveries

The continuous growth of e-commerce, initially accelerated by the COVID-19 and later adopted as a lifestyle, has intensified the pressure on Last Mile Deliveries (LMDs), exposing inefficiencies in...

a.Define EU-wide occupational requirements for LMD bike-based operators, building on the ESCO skills chart. This update was urgently needed to reflect the evolving role of bike couriers, addressing trends in green skills, safety, non-violent communication, and environmental awareness. b. In collaboration with CEP sectors and training institutions, design a tailored vocational curriculum and educational resources for students and trainers. The goal was to develop a curriculum that is adaptable to national non-formal training systems, compact, accessible, self-paced, and available in multiple languages. c.Launch and pilot the training delivery methods broadly, then refine them with stakeholders to ensure ownership and local relevance. This approach maximized the reach of the pedagogical resources through a Virtual Open Online Course (VOOC). d. In collaboration with CEP, education, political sectors, and industry representatives (CIE) and the ESCO committee, SAFE LMD aimed to initiate the recognition and validation of new skills for LMD cyclists and facilitate their integration into certification schemes at both national and EU levels. This approach ensured aligning with evolving market needs, EUpolicy&“European Bicycle Declaration”

- Conduct desk research and interviews to identify skills gaps and mismatches, and to define up-to-date occupational requirements for LMD cyclists. - Structure a compact curriculum (ECQ Level 3-4) along with Open Educational Resources (OERs) on sustainable and safe bike-based LMD operations, to be delivered both while employed and prior to employment. - Develop, launch , pilot, and fine-tune a self-paced vocational course for LMD cyclists, leveraging the flexibility of the VET format to meet the sector's specific needs. - Raise awareness about the sectoral recognition of LMD cyclists' green and safety skills, as well as transversal skills. - Launch, test and operate an online examination portal (on Bizexaminer, an external provider) to validate LMD cyclists' skills acquired through learning from the SAFE LMD courses, or different contexts. - Initiate and follow-up the update of the occupational profiles of bicycle couriers and delivery operators in the ESCO skills chart, and create qualification specifications for LMD cyclists. - Define, launch and pilot an online examination scheme to assess the skills and competences of LMD cyclists in the seven core areas covered in the curriculum, including green and safety skills, communication, and social responsibility. - Engage stakeholders continuously throughout the project to recognize the relevance of SAFE-LMD learning outcomes and raise awareness of the need to support new qualification paths (including micro-skills) in relevant competence and qualification schemes. - Advocate and raise awareness among key sector stakeholders through multiplier events and dissemination activities, including outreach to social partners working with groups with fewer opportunities, encouraging them to adopt and embed SAFE-LMD results in their own national contexts.

1_Common Competence Framework for LMD Cyclists The Common Competence Framework for Workers in Urban Bike-Based Last Mile Deliveries outlines the essential attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for the occupational profile of LMD (Last Mile Delivery) cyclists. This framework not only identifies the competencies necessary for operating bike-based delivery vehicles (skills demand) but also assesses the skills available in the labor market (skills supply) and highlights existing skill gaps. Rooted in skills intelligence, this matrix of core and functional competencies is pivotal in recognizing new trends and emerging occupational needs in urban logistics and cycle logistics, fostering the growth of sustainable LMD practices. A key highlight of the framework is its emphasis on the continuous development of competencies, recognizing that mastering the skills for safe and environmentally friendly riding is an ongoing process, rather than a one-time achievement. The framework encourages both formal and informal training as foundational tools, ensuring that LMD workers can build and sustain their skills over time. It also promotes shared values and common performance standards through the acquisition of transversal skills and competencies, advancing professionalization within the sector. 2_Curriculum Structure The SafeLMD Curriculum** features a well-structured learning program comprising seven distinct learning units, each designed to equip LMD cyclists with critical competencies. The units cover key areas such as: 1. Knowing goods and packaging 2. Handling and administrative procedures 3. Road traffic regulations 4. Bicycle characteristics 5. Basics of safe riding 6. Communication skills and customer service 7. Social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and mentoring. This curriculum is comprehensive, with clearly defined learning outcomes that are integrated across all lessons, ensuring that LMD cyclists receive a holistic education to meet the demands of modern urban logistics. The Trainer’s Handbook and Learners’ E-Book further support this structure, offering accessible guidance for both instructors and trainees. 3_Open Educational Resources (OERs) The development of Open Educational Resources (OERs) in six languages is a standout achievement. These OERs feature interactive content, including VOOC infrastructures that support self-reflection and self-evaluation of learning. Additionally, learners are empowered to provide feedback through a dedicated tool, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. This multilingual approach broadens access to learning and ensures inclusivity across different regions. 4_Online Examination and Certification An innovative online examination scheme has been created to assess and validate LMD cyclists' green and safety skills. The system supports the certification of micro-skills, in line with the EU’s emphasis on increasing access to micro-credentials. This scheme offers a flexible pathway for cyclists to demonstrate their competencies and receive formal recognition for their expertise, contributing to the professionalization of the sector. Updated Occupational Profiles and EU-Wide Qualification One of the project’s landmark achievements is the update of occupational profiles and specifications, laying the foundation for an EU-wide vocational education and training (VET) qualification for LMD cyclists. This development standardizes training and qualifications across the EU, ensuring that LMD workers are recognized as skilled professionals in a rapidly evolving sector. 5_Outreach and Dissemination To raise awareness of these achievements, the project organized four national information days in Germany, Croatia, Austria, and Greece, as well as one EU-wide dissemination event during VeloCity 2024 in Belgium. These events were promoted on the project’s website and across partner social media channels, including a highly engaged LinkedIn page with a strong following. The outreach effort reflects the project's success in creating significant visibility and impact across Europe.