E-bikes are in the news! They glide up hills and along bike lanes throughout Marin County, they grace the cover of the local papers, and they dominated this year’s Interbike, the annual bicycle industry convention in Reno Nevada.

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is a firm believer in pedal-assist e-bikes and is taking the lead in educating Marin about their many benefits:

• Reducing traffic congestion: Let’s help more people take advantage of our world-class bicycle and pedestrian facilities

• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Studies show ebikers are healthier and more productive

• Protect the environment: Replacing car trips with bike and ebike trips is one of the easiest ways to reduce carbon emissions in our air and drinking water

• A Touch of Magic: E-bikes have the uncanny ability to flatten Marin’s hilly terrain!

To promote an informed and fact-based conversion, and to explain the different classes of e-bikes, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, in partnership with leading e-bike brands and bike shops, will host an e-bike demo area and workshop at this year’s Biketoberfest. “E-bikes are a real game changer for everyone, but especially for those who would rather ride than drive for daily transportation but might be held back by hilly terrain,” observed MCBC Executive Director Jim Elias. “It’s little wonder they’ve become so common in Marin, and so quickly.”

What is Biketoberfest?
The fall celebration of bikes, music, food and family fun – plus a stellar brewfest! This fun-filled event brings everyone together –  including commuters, roadies, mountain bikers, BMXers, fixie devotees, cargo-carriers, e-bikers and touring aficionados!

E-bike Demos
Local e-bike retailers The New Wheel and Mike’s Bikes will showcase ebikes hand picked for the geography of Marin County.  Ebike manufacturers Faraday, Tern and Yuba bicycles will highlight their models specially designed for commuting, family cycling and even a folding ebike perfect for taking with you on the train or BART!

E-bike Workshop
Are e-bikes a good thing for Marin? With clear rules on how and where to ride an e-bike, everyone stands to benefit. Local bicycle shops will see increased business and their customers will no longer be confused; people who already ride e-bikes can more easily understand where to ride; and new bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience will have new transportation alternatives.

Guest Speakers
Jim Elias, Marin County Bicycle Coalition Executive Director, will lead a panel of bike industry reps and local politicians on a conversation about the many benefits of e-bikes, including their impacts on traffic, health and the environment. Call or email Tom Boss for a list of invited guests at 415-272-2756 or tom@marinbike.org.