Higher tariffs on components built in China will make the cost of U.S. bike production much higher, likely slowing the growth of the industry.
New import tariffs proposed by President-Elect Trump could have a disastrous effect on the bike industry, according to George Kevin Jordan. Writing in Streetsblog USA, Jordan explains that “Currently, about 97 percent of bike parts come from overseas, mostly from Trump’s least-favored nation, China.”
Raising the cost of components will force producers to raise prices likely have a chilling effect and slow the adoption of more sustainable transportation modes, a key step in reducing carbon emissions. “If just half of the car trips under one mile were replaced by bikes or walking, the US could save about $575 million in fuel costs and about 2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.”
A bill introduced by Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer, a staunch supporter of bike infrastructure, would suspend tariffs on bike parts for a decade and incentivize companies to manufacture bikes domestically.
Read the full story: ‘President Tariff’ is Back — and the Struggling Bike Industry is Nervous
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.
California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again
After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.
Taking on the Bad E-Bike Takes
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority