We are excited to announce that Community Cycles is one of eight organizations statewide to receive a Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant from the Colorado Energy Office. This will provide electric bicycles to low-income commuters who work in our community. This program follows Community Cycles’ successful participation in the 2021-2022 pilot of this program.
“Electric bicycles are a game-changer,” explained Sue Prant, Executive Director. “We have seen how electric bicycles (eBikes) help people easily commute by bicycle over longer distances and hilly terrain. And we know that cars are expensive to own and maintain. Bringing eBikes to community members who cannot otherwise afford them helps them and their families succeed economically. It enables them to fully participate in the movement for cleaner air and low-carbon transportation.”
With partners including Small Planet eBikes, City of Boulder, University of Colorado, Boulder Community Health, Downtown Boulder and Paraprofessionals working in the Boulder Valley School District, Community Cycles will get eBikes to 60 eligible workers.
Sandee Cirian, Project Manager, shared, “We hope this project’s success will open the door to many more projects like this, and to additional funding. Electric bicycles have the potential to create the kind of transportation transformation we all want to see. That will bring us cleaner air, a healthier climate, and a more equitable community.”
Bicycle commuting delivers multiple benefits: a sense of improved autonomy; greater physical and mental health. It can also reduced stress about public transit challenges including multiple connections or service delays. Moreover, eBikes can benefit individual and family finances by eliminating the need to own a costly, polluting car.
Interested in participating?
Own an eBike by using it as your primary mode of transportation to work and providing occasional feedback and auto-collected data for 1 year. There is a $250 fee to be a part of this program to help offset the cost of the ebike and accessories that will be provided for safer and more comfortable commuting, like helmet, lock and basket. (Fee is partially or fully refundable if you opt out of the program within the first 90 days.) Ideal candidates are willing to commute by eBike at least 3 days per week, along with using the eBike for errands and social occasions.
Learn more and apply for a Loaner to Owner eBike here.
Application Deadline is May 21, 2023
Questions? Ask Sandee Cirian, Community Cycles Program Manager