     |  |
 Local E-Bike ConversionA picture of my 2001 Trek cruiser, with basket using the Wilderness Energy kit. I works like a charm! Even with a cruiser that now weight about 80 lbs., if I pedal lightly with it, we get 25 mph for about a 10 mile range. And I have an 8 mile commute to LoDo, round trip. Perfect. I love it, and I love sharing "the good news" about a great alternative with coworkers, neighbors and friends.
To: Marni Ratzel Dear Marni, Bolder Bicycle Commuters has endorsed the proposed ordinance that would Our decision was based on the report from city staff staff that It is also interesting to note that no one at our meeting was an owner Please convey our endorsement to interested boards and commissions as Sincerely, Dave Allured, Chair Marni Ratzel Bicycle & Pedestrian Planner City of Boulder P.O. Box 791 Boulder, CO 80306 Re: Electric bicycles on Boulder multi-use paths. January 14, 2002 Dear Marni, I am writing in support of permitting use of the electric-assisted bicycles on the multi-use paths within the Boulder City limits. I feel that these bicycles, which are equipped with an electric assist mechanism, are another important component in the transportation network. They provide mobility options for people who might not otherwise be able to use a bike or walk, possibly encouraging them to not use their car. I understand that these bikes are governed at 20 mph which is consistent with speeds on the multi-use paths, and that no reports of accidents or incidents have occurred to date in the City of Boulder. These bikes are simply designed to act like a bike with a little assistance for those who might need it. In addition, I feel that permitting the use electric-assisted bicycles is consistent with the goals of Boulder's Transportation Master Plan by providing a clean vehicle alternative that is suitable for short trips around town, which are often made by automobile. I urge you to continue to preserve the quality of life in Boulder by allowing the use of these electric-assisted bicycles, another alternative mode of transportation. Sincerely, Lissa A. Morgan Assistant Director U.S. 36 Transportation Mobility Organization January 2, 2002 Marni Ratzel Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner City of Boulder P O Box 791 Boulder, CO 80306 Re: Electric Bikes Dear Ms. Ratzel: I am writing in reference to your upcoming January 9, 2002 meeting related to allowing electric bikes on Boulder's bike paths. I am in full support of promoting the alternative transportation goals in the City of Boulder's Master Plan. The goals I support are: no growth in long-term vehicle traffic, reduction in single-occupant-vehicle travel to 25% of our trips, and continuous reduction in mobile source emissions of air pollutants. If allowing electric bikes to use the City of Boulder's bike paths will enhance the City's ability to reach these goals without endangering path users, as the existing data indicates, then I am in full support of this use. It is clear from our current transportation data that single occupancy vehicle trips will continue to increase in the coming years. Electric bike access to Boulder's extensive bike path system may increase the number of people who choose to select an alternative to the automobile. Electric bikes seem to offer an additional mobility that a non-electric bike does not offer, and may increase this alternative mode of transportation. This could be especially true for people who may find it difficult to travel on a non-electric bike. Again, as long as the use of electric bikes on Boulder's bike paths does not create a public safety concern, I am in full support of allowing this use as it will increase our chances of reducing dependence on the automobile. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 303-441-1182. Sincerely, Jeffrey J. Zayach Environmental Health Program Manager Boulder County Health Department January 25, 2002 To: City Council Re: Electric Bikes I REALLY wanted to come to your hearing and show you my exceptionally cool electric bike which I am just in love with, and show you how very quiet it is, but I am going on a hut trip, so this letter will have to suffice. I am a member of the 4-F Club. By that I mean that I am: - FEMALE - FIFTY-ish - FAT-ish - FAIRLY FIT. I used to ride my bicycle a lot more than I have in the last few years. I have WANTED to ride my bike more, and I feel very guilty about using my car and global warming and air pollution. But my bike was so slow, and the Broadway Hill was so daunting, and I just didn't have time or energy. So when I heard about electric bikes it seemed like the answer to a dream. I got one and I just LOVE it. I have been cruising all over town, and have cut my car trips in half. I can leave it in high gear, push the little lever, and pedal up the Broadway Hill like I have legs of iron. It is very gratifying to be able to finally pass a few folks again! However, I still can't keep up with those fast boys with the REAL legs of iron. My top speed seems to be around 15 mph. But I CAN get from my house near Violet down to my friend's house near Faiview High School in half an hour. My bicycle is also very quiet. I will be using my bike for errands around town, and to go up to the headgate of the Silver Lake Ditch to shovel sand out of the sand trap. (I have equiped my bike with a shovel holder for just this purpose.) For this reason, and because I am also FEARFUL (the 5th "F") of riding on busy Boulder streets, I want to ask you to allow electric bikes on Boulder Bike paths. I will then be much safer, and be able to ride to the headgate of the ditch to do maintenance. Elizabeth Black 4340 N. 13th Boulder CO 80304 303-449-7532 January 24, 2002 City of Boulder GO Boulder Marni Ratzel 1739 Broadway, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 791 Boulder, CO 80306 Dear Ms. Ratzel, The American Lung Association of Colorado would like to lend its support for the use of electric assisted bikes and trikes on off-street bicycle facilities. A startling statistics shows that vehicle miles traveled between 1970 and 1997 increased 127%. This is due to both more miles traveled per family and the increase in the number of vehicles per family. It is not news to any of us that Colorado is experiencing rapid growth. With that growth comes complications, such as increased use of automobiles, lawnmowers, and other air pollution contributors. Ozone, carbon monoxide, and other, particulate matter do more than cloud our vision. These pollutants corrupt our breathing and compromise the quality of air - for all of us - especially those with lung disease. Lung disease is our nation's the third leading cause of death, with more than 30 million Americans suffering with lung disease. Lung tissue is very fragile and is easily damaged by airborne pollutants such as car exhaust. We must become better stewards of the air we breathe, and this requires that we think outside the box in order to solve the air quality crisis in our state. Supporting the use of electric assisted bikes and trikes on off-street bicycles facilities will allow individuals to make use of this alternative form of transportation, thereby decreasing the number of gas-fueled vehicles on the roads. Nothing captures the importance of air quality as well as the American Lung Association slogan, "When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters" Sincerely, Cindy Liverance Director of Field Services |
| Contact Us | © 21Wheels 2002 |