Accessible Bikes for Community

Emissions from transportation are the greatest contributor to our region’s ozone pollution problem. A burgeoning alternative to using single occupancy vehicles for navigating the region is micromobility. Micromobility refers to the use of small, lightweight vehicles to travel short distances. Notably, electric bikes and scooters. Using micromobility has many benefits beyond improving air quality. Micromobility may improve health because it is a more active form of transportation, it is often less expensive, and it can be a fun way to move around and connect with urban environments.

Unfortunately, some communities may face barriers to accessing micromobility. Personal e-bikes and scooters have a high up front cost. Shared micromobility systems often require smartphones to unlock, and the availability of the e-bikes and e-scooters may be unreliable. The RAQC initiatied Accessible Bikes for Community, or ABC, in order to increase low-income residents’ accessibility to e-bikes.

The RAQC is partnering with EQLX mobility to bring shared e-bikes to subsidized housing for the exclusive use of low-income residents. The first e-bike library will open in April 2025 in Lakewood.

To learn more about the program, or inquire about expanding it to your area, reach out to sherdman@raqc.org.