The purpose of transportation is to connect people and goods to places. Our system must support all Oregonians regardless of travel mode or zip code and must include everyone regardless of age, ability, race, gender, or income. Transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, so our investments must include broad access to public and active transportation as well as electrified modes such as Electric Micromobility and e-bikes.
E-bikes are a new and rapidly evolving transportation mode quickly proving to be one of the most equitable, accessible transportation options available to Oregonians. E-bikes have the potential to expand access to education and jobs for many community members including youth, low-income families, and people with limited physical ability. E-bikes increase bicycling frequency, result in greater physical activity, significantly reduce driving, and could greatly reduce greenhouse emissions if adopted widely.
Currently, safety is a primary barrier for people considering adopting e-bikes and a primary concern for our group. We believe that serious injuries and deaths in traffic are preventable through a Safe Systems approach. We believe people using the transportation system will inevitably make mistakes, and the system should be re-designed to reduce serious consequences from those mistakes when they do happen.
Legal and regulatory definitions vary widely between cities and between states, and inconsistencies create confusion and uncertainty among consumers and road users. The current state of Electric Micromobility in Oregon requires a timely review of current standards and guidelines for allocating right of way for different road users. To ensure widespread adoption, e-bike policy and investments must be developed to prioritize safety, equity, and accessibility driven by best practices and the best available data and science.
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