The city of Boston recently introduced its first electric-assist cargo tricycle for the city’s fleet. It is intended to support city staff performing their daily tasks, while also supporting the city’s work to reduce emissions from municipal sources. The cargo tricycle is meant to be an option to replace a trip that would otherwise be taken by an employee using a city vehicle.
The trike is named “The Knox” in honor of Katherine ‘Kittie’ Knox, a Black West End resident in the 1880s who confronted racial and gender stereotypes in Boston’s bicycling community.
“This new tricycle is an innovative new program as Boston continues its work towards achieving carbon neutrality in our city,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “I’m proud this tricycle is named after Ms. Knox, an early leader who championed equity in the bicycle community. In Boston, we have also proclaimed August 20 as Kittie Knox Day.”
The Knox is part of the city’s Go Boston 2030 plan – a long-range, equitable transportation plan that aims to encourage a shift away from single-occupancy vehicle trips toward low-emission modes of walking, biking, and public transit. The City is receiving support on zero-emissions vehicle deployment as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ American Cities Climate Challenge.
“This innovative electric cargo tricycle pilot, aptly named for the pioneering Kittie Knox, reflects Boston’s leadership in creating more sustainable ways for people to get around,” added Amanda Eaken, director of the American Cities Climate Challenge. “It is always heartening to witness an American Cities Climate Challenge city turn a vision into reality – and even more so when it honors the life of a woman who fought valiantly for racial and gender equity. The Knox marks an important milestone in Boston’s commitment to fully de-carbonize its transportation system and will serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Boston’s trailblazing women.”