Description
Bicycle/e-bicycle distribution programs provide low cost long-term access and ownership to bicycles and electric bicycles. Ownership of bikes/e-bike can enable participants to replace short vehicle trips with a form of active transportation.
Implementation Details
- Identify priority populations, such as low-income communities, essential workers, students, or underserved transit communities.
- Partner with local governments to distribute bicycles or electric bicycles.
- Provide complementary services, such as bike amenities distribution, maintenance education, and bike safety to encourage prolonged use.
Mitigation Potential
Bicycle distributions increase the convenience of biking, making biking a more attractive alternative to Single Occupancy Vehicles. Impacts on VMT will vary based on the location and connection of the bicycle networks to local/regional networks and transit stops.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Dedicating land for Class I bike trails enhances low-stress transportation options for residents without vehicles and improves regional connectivity for historically underserved neighborhoods. Prioritizing trail development in communities lacking safe bicycle infrastructure helps reduce mobility barriers, particularly for youth and seniors. Trail design should ensure ADA compliance and safe access points from surrounding areas.
Funding Sources
Bicycle and e-bicycle distribution programs can be funded through public, private, or a combination of both. Costs may be shared by many municipalities or partners within the region and can be paid for with CMAQ funding, active transportation programs, or general planning funds. Developers, employers, community based organizations can provide sponsorship to offset the purchase cost of bikes/e-bikes.
Implemented in TAM Area
Current TDM Implementation
There are currently no bike or e-bike distribution programs in Marin. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition provides resources and advocates for bicycle use through educational programs and materials, community events, and buyers guides, but does not distribute directly.
TDM Benefit Locations
This TDM measure could be administered in Marin by MCE Community Energy and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), which both have resources and goals that align with the distribution of bikes and e-bikes.