Advocates tell committee expanded access to electric bicycles can replace short car trips and widen mobility

Advocates told the Telecom, Utilities and Energy Committee that expanding access to electric bicycles would replace many short car trips, increase mobility options and improve equity across urban, suburban and rural areas.

Galen Mook, executive director of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike), described a pilot program in Worcester County that provided low‑ or no‑cost electric assist bicycles to income‑eligible residents and tracked miles and trip data. He said demand far outstripped supply—about 1,200 applicants for 200 bikes—and that e‑bike riders included a broad demographic mix. MassBike argued H.3451, which would expand community access to e‑bikes, is a low‑cost way to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) because 21 percent of trips in Massachusetts are under half a mile and 57 percent are under three miles.

Mook said e‑bikes make cycling feasible for longer trips and for people who might not otherwise cycle for health or age reasons; he highlighted examples of daily riders who have replaced car trips and logged thousands of miles. Supporters said bike‑share and subsidized e‑bike programs in other regions show mode shift is achievable when equipment is accessible and affordable.

Discussion only: testimony supported H.3451 and emphasized pairing bikes with safe infrastructure like sidewalks and protected bike lanes; no committee vote occurred.

Ending: Advocates urged the committee to expand funding for e‑bike access programs as a cost‑effective, equitable measure to reduce VMT and congestion while improving public health and mobility.