A recent study out of Europe reveals the potential of electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) to transition mobility away from cars.
Lloyd Alter shares news of a recent study published in the journal Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives that makes a substantial case for the potential of e-bikes as a substitute for driving.
A key finding of the study is that e-bike riders get as much exercise as many conventional bike riders, because e-bike riders take longer trips.
"But perhaps even more significant is the dramatic increase in exercise among people who switch from cars to e-bikes," according to Alter, because the transition is much easier than switching from a car to a conventional bike.
One caveat offered by Alter informs the finding about physical activity: The study examines the use of European pedelec e-bikes, which require riders to pedal before the motor kicks in. "Results probably don't apply to overpowered throttle-controlled American e-bikes or scooters."
FULL STORY: Study finds that e-bike riders get as much exercise as riders of regular bikes
Small Modes Are Beautiful!
Active modes (walking, bicycling and their variants) and micromodes (e-bikes and e-scooters) can provide large climate emission reductions and other important benefits, if we let them. Small modes are important but often undercounted and undervalued.
Making the Case for E-Bikes
A new white paper lays the groundwork for better e-bike incentive programs.
Pilot Project Offers E-Bike Rebates in New York State
The program will start in the Village of Ossining with plans to expand in the greater Hudson River region.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie