BLOOMINGTON – As part of the City’s continuing efforts to expand micro-mobility transportation options in Bloomington, the Department of Economic and Sustainable Development is pleased to announce a new pilot program to provide residents with vouchers to purchase electric bikes at local Bloomington bike shops.
The e-bike voucher program will function as an incentive for residents to register for the City’s Go Bloomington and Zero In Bloomington platforms, and will support both the City’s Climate Action Plan and Transportation Demand Management Plan. Increasing the number of residents with access to e-bike’s helps support the City’s goal to reduce resident reliance on single occupancy vehicles in the community, as we strive to decrease on-road vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 8% of 2018 values (Climate Action Plan, Goal TL1).
In addition, reducing Bloomington’s greenhouse gas emissions from combustion of fossil fuels emissions, the e-bike voucher program carries a number of resident-based co-benefits, including:
- Improved quality of life
- Increased transportation equity
- Increased physical activity
- Increased diversification of the cycling community
- Decreased traffic congestion
- Reduced number of vehicle accidents
All residents may qualify for point-of-purchase vouchers of $500, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Low-income residents who provide proof of income may qualify for increased vouchers worth $1,000 towards an e-bike. This program is launching as a partnership with the Bicycle Garage and Revolution Bike and Bean. Both local bike shops have agreed to coordinate with the City on providing vouchers at the point of purchase, and ensuring availability of qualifying e-bikes or electric cargo bikes.
The launch of the program comes after the City announced the installation of over 50 parking corrals to enhance micro-mobility and pedestrian safety. This initiative further emphasizes the City’s priorities to encourage the use of e-bikes and e-scooters while enhancing overall infrastructure to further transition to low-carbon micro-mobility alternatives. As a designated gold-level bicycle friendly community, Bloomington upholds its commitment to building better places for people to bike safely and affordably.
For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/e-bike-vouchers or contact sustain@bloomington.in.gov for any questions or concerns regarding the program.
