Colorado is Using Free E-Bikes to Fight Climate Change

A state program is giving free electric bikes to residents in an effort to provide more transportation options and reduce dependence on cars.

2 minute read

February 18, 2021, 12:00 PM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Colorado Bike Lane

Dimara / Shutterstock

The state of Colorado is gearing up to expand on a program that gives free electric bikes to low-income residents. The first phase of the program gave the bikes to low-income essential workers like Shalon Bowens, a sexual health clinic employee in Aurora. The program's goal is to reduce dependence on cars and provide another option for reliable transportation for essential workers during the pandemic. Sam Brasch reports on the program's results and expansion.

The Can Do Colorado eBike Pilot will use a $560,000 grant from the Colorado Energy Office, the City of Denver, and the Regional Air Quality Council to award over 100 e-bikes complete with helmets, locks, and pumps to local residents. Interviews with program participants show that they are replacing car trips and enjoying the opportunity to use a bicycle to get around.

The program came about as a response to changes in transportation options and behavior brought on by the pandemic, says Will Toor, director of the Colorado Energy Office, in the article: "he saw bus routes being cut and essential workers avoiding public transportation." Going forward, Toor thinks e-bikes could play a "much larger role" in getting Colorado residents out of cars and insists equity "is really important" in meeting Colorado's climate goals. Colorado's climate action plan "has received fierce criticism from environmental advocates, who complain the policy outline lacks specifics and didn’t include enough input from marginalized communities bearing the brunt of climate change."

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 in CPR News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business