About The Urban Yield

The primary function of the urban yield system is to create and connect an urban network of fresh produce growers, community gardeners, and local cafés and restaurants. The project aims to capitalise on two emerging trends – urban cycling and urban agriculture - to produce an economically sound, environmentally conscious, and community orientated food mobility network. By providing a mobility infrastructure, in the form of specialised cargo bicycles, the system aims to promote urban agriculture and encourage community engagement in localised food production and distribution. The cargo bikes are ideal for low volume, high frequency pick-ups and deliveries in and around the city. By moving small-scale food production closer to the heart of the city, the growing issues of food miles, waste and packaging can be minimised. The bikes can easily and efficiently navigate crowded inner city traffic and use existing infrastructure such as bike paths and bridges to optimise routes between delivery points.

Communication between growers, dispatching couriers and restaurants is handled through an integrated application interface. The app allows growers to notify couriers when produce is ready to be picked up, and gives them information regarding food type, weight and location. The app also enables growers keep track of courier arrival time, number of pick-ups, and produce history. Couriers use the interface for navigation, as well as to track produce and organise payment for the growers. The interface for restaurants and cafes helps them order fresh produce and keep track of deliveries and payments. By designing a cohesive application interface, it becomes possible to track and record all three tiers of the urban yield system, reducing food waste and optimising systems efficiency.