Harvard Book Store aims for pedal power

PUBLISHED by The Cambridge Chronicle

Cambridge — Next time you want a good read but don’t feel like venturing into the cold, Harvard Book Store will deliver right to your door—by bicycle.


The bookstore’s new green delivery service that started last week offers faster delivery than regular shipping, said Heather Gain, marketing manager at the store. Harvard Book Store guarantees next-day delivery to Cambridge residents in seven zip codes and one-to-three-day delivery to Boston, although deliveries might be even faster, she said.

The bicycle service is provided by Somerville-based Metro Pedal Power, a local business that delivers agricultural products, Gain said. Delivery rates are $5 for the first book and $1 for each additional book, not only for the green service but now for anywhere in the U.S. by traditional mail.

“The bookstore wants to make sure it has a good green practice in the community, and it’s a great way to work with a great local business, MetroPed, to dually service the community,” Gain said.

Gain said the bikes can carry from 50 to 100 books, and they are more efficient than big trucks making stops for a single small package.

Harvard is trying to encourage supporting local businesses because so many local bookstores have gone out of business in the last 20 years, she said.
“We’re hoping to see other businesses to adopt green delivery and green practices,” Gain said. “I think it’s goodwill for us in the community, not only looking after book interests but some of our holistic community interests.