It was a busy June, getting ready to deploy electric bikes (ebikes) to Boulder County residents who are low-income essential workers!
There were 90 people who applied for a chance to own one of 50 ebikes, with many eager to give up their car-centric lifestyle to try a more healthy way to commute that will also reduce their carbon footprint.
Participants will attend one of 5 orientations where they will pick up their ebikes, plan their routes and have a chance to ask questions from bicycle commuter experts from Boulder Transportation Connections. We’re also thrilled to have Boulder Community Health on hand for most of the orientation events to bring their helmet-fitting expertise to be sure helmets are worn properly!
Wondering what sorts of people applied? Here’s a quick look at some of our applicants:
- The most expressed thought was those who have wanted to ride a bike to work for a long time but thought it would be too far or take too long on a regular bike, or didn’t know how to plan a safe route.
- The most asked for accessory was a basket or bag for groceries, which will be provided to everyone. I’m excited that people are thinking ahead about how they’ll use the ebikes!
- Parents are enthusiastic at the idea of getting their kids out of the car and into a Burley-style trailer to take to day care.
- A couple of participants told stories of unreliable vehicles and having to rely on a combination of borrowing cars or rides from friends and family, Uber/Lyft, and having to walk long distances for public transportation. They are looking forward to consistent reliable transportation.
What’s next for the Can Do eBike Program?
Already mentioned: participants will be receiving their ebikes in the next few weeks. The first orientation date is July 14th at Boulder County Health from 5-7:30pm.
We have also been exploring the data collection app that participants will be using to track their rides and marking where they are replacing motor vehicle trips so we can quantify how we are improving air quality in Boulder County. This SmartPhone app is being developed by our friends at NREL.
In case you missed it, we are also giving away Boulder BCycle 2-year memberships to essential workers who live in Boulder Housing Partner’s residences. Details on the BCycle membership giveaway can be found here.
Questions? Contact Program Manager Sandee Cirian at sandee@communitycycles.org