The recent editorial dismissing the e-bike rebate bill (“Our View: If only it were as easy as riding a bike,” Feb. 15) ignores the utility of electric-assist bicycles to serve Mainers as a low-cost transportation alternative, and misrepresents the safety of bicycle riding generally.

E-bikes are growing in popularity and they provide clean, reliable transportation within a 1- to 10-mile radius of a person’s home, which is the range of about 75% of car trips in Maine. Cargo e-bicycles permit groceries, goods and children to be easily transported, and commuter models provide a great workforce option. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is currently partnering with the Departments of Transportation and Labor on a pilot program for low-income workforce transportation in select areas.

An e-bike rebate program would make this technology available to more people, and could help low-income folks in particular achieve mobility goals at a much lower cost than car ownership. E-bikes can reduce global warming emissions, make streets safer and reimagine community design so our towns better support bicycling and walking.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine doesn’t question that Maine roads could be safer for vulnerable users, but it is worth pointing out that, in 2022, 177 people died in car crashes and only two people died while bicycle riding. Perhaps Maine’s roads are too dangerous to drive cars on? We challenge the statement that “there is no safe way” to commute by bike, and we invite the editorial writer to attend one of our “Bicycle Riding in Traffic” clinics this spring. We’ll even provide a bike – electric or otherwise.

James C. Tassé
assistant director, Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Portland

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