Cool City Cargo builds bikes for a better future

Published August 2024

John Burkhardt and Matthew Lyon rode into Union Square in February of 2024 with a transit-oriented mission: tackle carbon emissions through cycling. Their niche? Customizable cargo e-bikes!

With the neighborhood’s focus on sustainability and alternative modes of transportation, John and Matthew share how Cool City Cargo’s mission melds well with the community.

Tell us a little about your business!

Cool City Cargo is an authorized producer of XYZ Cargo E-Bikes, a design that originated in Denmark. Our bikes are very customizable for personal or business mobility solutions, including delivery, food vending, and transporting heavy loads.

What inspired you to start a business? How did this feeling grow once you actually started your business?

We had a strong interest in urbanism and transportation and a desire to move cities in a more sustainable direction. As the project began to take shape, we realized that there is a transition already well underway toward active transportation which is supported by cities in the form of bicycle infrastructure, improved public transit and safer street design.

What aspect of your business makes you most proud to be a business leader in our community?

We want our business to help power other small businesses achieve zero carbon emissions and have a lighter impact on pollution and congestion caused by cars, vans and trucks. We see transportation as a critical need that is currently being met in an unsustainable and dangerous way.

How do you #LoveUnionSquare?

Union Square is a thriving community that is strengthened by diversity on multiple dimensions: people with different backgrounds, interests, modes of travel, ideas and places of origin. It is home to amazing creative small business and innovation (Boynton Yards, Greentown Labs, Somernova, Bow Market, among others), and businesses that have been here for generations. The Green Line extension and the community bike path have formally put Union Square on the alternative transportation map.

Is there anything else you think a Square customer would like to know?

John grew up in the area and lived in Somerville in the late 1980s! It has been incredible to see the transformation over that time.

Cool City Cargo is located in Suite B201 of 561 Windsor St and is open Mondays 12-6pm and by appointment. 

Stay up-to-date on their bike builds by following them on Instagram or liking them on Facebook.