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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 1, 2022 Page 13 Advocates rally in support of e-bikes ahead of key legislative deadline A s gas prices remain high and traffic is returning, advocates recently rallied at the State House to push for action on two bills making e-bikes more accessible, affordable and convenient for all. “It’s all too often that policymakers and even the general public turn to electric vehicles as the answer to transportation emissions contributing to our climate crisis. We know that electric bikes, in fact, are a far more desirable and equitable solution. Electric bicycles have the ability to bring mobility equity to people in urban, suburban and rural communities,” said Boston Cyclists Union Executive Director Becca Wolfson. “This legislation would make it possible for more Massachusetts residents and visitors to get around by electric bicycle, and there is no reason for any further delay on the passage of these bills.” Speakers at the rally, which was organized by the Boston Cyclists Union, along with partners MassBike and Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA), called on the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation to advance An Act relative to electric bicycles (H.3457/ S.2309), which would define three classes of e-bikes and differentiate them from mopeds. These classifications are needed to create a pathway for e-bikes to be added to the region’s bikeshare system (Bluebikes) and to be used for deliveries, as well as clarify that e-bikes can be used in bike lanes and on paths. Speakers also urged passage of An Act relative to electric bicycle rebates (H.3262), legislation that would provide Massachusetts residents interested in purchasing an e-bike with a rebate of up to $750. Massachusetts currently offers a rebate up to $2,500 for the purchase of an electric car; an e-bike rebate would offer even better climate and air quality benefits while reducing car traffic. Data shows that e-bike sales have outpaced electric vehicle sales, and a state rebate will encourage the trend. The Joint Committee on Transportation must act on both bills by April 1 in order for them to pass this session – an urgent opportunity to create cleaner air and help address the region’s traffic congestion. Popular around the world, e-bikes look like conventional bicycles but are powered by a small electric motor that activates when the rider exerts effort, such as going up a hill. This allows the bicycle to go faster, but also makes it easier to bike with less physical energy. E-bikes open up vast possibilities for using bicycles to carry heavier cargo loads or children and making long distances of even 20 miles or more suddenly more attractive by bike – longer commutes by bicycle can take less time, effort and sweat. “MassBike’s goal for this legislation is to clear up the confusion when ‘motorized bicycles’ [mopeds] are conflated with e-bikes and to match Massachusetts with the federal e-bike definition and the standard in states throughout the country. We know how e-bikes lower the barriers to get more people riding, reduce congestion, improve public health, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Yet we also want the ability for local control, for sensible regulations and messaging for e-bike riders on our roads, paths, and trails. This bill is the first step to making sure we’re all on the same page,” said MassBike Executive Director Galen Mook. “Passing e-bikes legislation will provide cities and towns with the clarity they need to actively integrate e-bikes into their transportation landscape,” said Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Transportation Planner Marah Holland. “Municipal leaders from across our region have demonstrated their enthusiasm for the many benefits that e-bikes have to offer, including expanding local mobility options and reducing transportation emissions.” State Representative Stephen Owens, one of the two House presenters of the e-bikes classification bill, explained why this piece of legislation is common sense and needed in Massachusetts general law. “Forty-six other states have already passed similar measures to define e-bike classifications,” he said. “E-bikes are already here, they are increasingly popular and we need to make sure that our laws keep up with the latest in green electric transportation.” In Cambridge, a city with one of the highest rates of bicycle commuting in Massachusetts, City Councillor Burhan Azeem said e-bikes are the next step to opening up bicycling to even more residents. “Implementing e-bikes in the bikeshare fleet would improve equity and reliability within the system and allow Cambridge to realize the full potential of the Cycling Safety Ordinance by improving mobility access for people of all abilities and income levels,” said Azeem. “E-bikes are transformative in all the best ways. Some people have been given a little freedom from their disabilities. Others now have transportation that is reliable, convenient and affordable as compared to the increasingly unaffordable car,” said Newton City Councillor Alicia Bowman. “Most are finding it easier to bike more frequently and for longer distances, reducing their carbon footprint while gaining the physical and mental health benefits of active transportation. It is time for Massachusetts to adopt common-sense e-bike regulations.” Quincy resident Irene Lutts, a mother of two, has relied on e-bikes for her family’s main mode of transportation for many years. “We sold our car and bought an e-bike 14 years ago so we could live a car-free lifestyle as a family,” she said. “We were inspired to make this choice for three levels of personal and community health – physical, financial and environmental. Our electric cargo bike gave us the flexibility and freedom to go everywhere around Quincy, Milton, Weymouth and Braintree without a dependence on fossil fuels or concern for hills and distance – and it was fun.” “Electric bikes are the fastest growing segment of the $5.3 billion annual bicycle market. E-bikes allow longer commutes, more transportation choices, and provide more options for municipalities to implement bike shares,” said T4MA InterLaw Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee im Director Josh Ostroff. “Massachusetts needs to join the 46 other states to properly classify e-bikes to allow for local regulations. E-bikes will make an important contribution to our transportation, climate, accessibility and congestion challenges. It’s time for progress. Thank you to the legislators and advocates who are helping to ensure e-bike safety on our roads and pathways.” Municipalities are hamstrung when it comes to planning for and with e-bikes until legal clarity is provided around e-bike classification. Leading up to the rally, the Cambridge City Council last week unanimously passed a resolution in support of the bill, and more than 20 municipal leaders signed onto a letter urging passage of the legislation – coordinated and released by MAPC. Salem and Somerville are pursuing Home Rule Petitions to create the legal clarity around e-bikes locally. E-bikes can unlock vast potential in bike sharing, attracting new riders who might be uninterested or unable to use fully pedal-powered bikes, and increasing systemwide equity by SUPPORT | SEE PAGE 18

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