PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • February 16, 2023
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 partnering with the Departments of Transportation and Labor on a pilot program for low-income workforce transportation in select areas. ~ James C. Tassé, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Portland