Coun. Jordan Back Proposes E-Bike Lending Program with Local Library: Promoting Sustainable Transportation Solutions
District of North Vancouver Councillor Jordan Back will soon be bringing forward a motion to Council proposing the launch of an e-cargo and e-utility bike lending program, to be facilitated by the North Vancouver District Public Libraries (NVDPL). The program, which is proposed to launch this summer, would entail NVDPL purchasing 3 or 4 electric cargo and utility bikes that could be signed out by library patrons at no charge.
There are many benefits to e-bikes and, e-cargo and e-utility bikes, in particular, offer the added benefits of additional carrying capacity that make them a viable alternative to using a vehicle. However, while these bikes come at a lower cost than a vehicle, they are still a significant investment. Through this pilot program, residents would have barrier free access to be able to try this style of e-bike and see how it could work for their day to day life.
Back, a longtime e-bike enthusiast himself, was inspired to bring the idea forward by DNV resident Duncan Wilcock. Wilcock believes a program like this would allow others to experience the same enjoyment that he does and sees libraries as the perfect place for inviting the community to try one out. “I believe they are a win-win-win and more for climate, traffic, health, noise-levels, and just making cities better,” Wilcock said.
For Back, e-bikes offer an opportunity for anyone to move around the community without the use of a car, and that could have a hugely positive effect on traffic congestion. “We talk regularly about the need to reduce the number of vehicle trips that residents take and the positive impact that even just a few less vehicle trips by residents every week could have on our transportation network. E-bikes can play a big role in that and I am excited to give all District residents an opportunity to see how many of their day to day trips could be done on one of these bikes.”
The idea is to launch the program as a 2 year pilot program and be able to include various types of e-cargo and e-utility bikes, including tricycles that may be more appealing to less confident riders, or those with mobility issues. While there are examples of other bike libraries, particularly in the USA, NVDPL would be among the first libraries in Canada to launch a program like this. This motion will be coming to DNV Council on Monday, April 3rd for a Council vote and, if successful, would be launched later this Summer.
Enough is enough when it comes to Council and Staffers spending our tax dollars! The cost of the bikes is one thing, but there’s ongoing costs of administration and maintenance. If someone wants a bike of this sort, then it’s up to them. If there’s a market for this, let the private businesses, like bike shops and bike rental companies deal with it.
NOTHING is FREE… There are costs and our taxes are skyrocketing again this year. Over spending and over-providing are part of the issues. Too many staff is another issue for another day.
Nothing is free – exactly right. Driving subsidies have been artificially distorting the “market” for cars for decades, distributing the astronomical cost of roads, maintenance, and parking onto taxpayers who don’t drive cars themselves, and lulling us into car-dependency. This dependency and car-centric planning is now showing up as economy- and productivity-killing traffic congestion, costly public health and safety impacts, and damaging climate consequences. It’s long overdue that we enable a wider range of mobility choices for North Shore residents. This’ll be money well spent.
Well said Martin!
Nothing is free? I don’t recall any of the bridges having tolls. How about the cut? Parking in most places in North Van? Absolutely free!
Nothing is free, unless you own a car!
Great idea. Thanks Jordan and Duncan.