Perhaps both are correct.  The situation you describe is cause for concern, and is further brought out in my own response.  And despite comments to the contrary, I think "threat" is a perfect word.  E-bikes represent a threat to the safety of human powered transport without a doubt.  In the purest terms the situation you describe is demonstrative of the added dangers if by nothing else, the increased traffic and speeds alone.  As others have alluded to, in less pure terms the socioeconomic and demographic threat could play havoc with funding and all sorts of other factors.  Imagine if you would if AARP or other like minded well heeled organization decided that HP riders are a threat, and clog up the rail-trails that eBikers are dependent upon to maintain their independence and mobility.  An interesting twist wouldn't you agree?

Again, its not a matter of one or the other, its about developing a like mindedness to work and ride together.   

Matt



-----Original Message-----
From: Wendy Monroe <wendy.monroe@usermail.com>
To: The Think Tank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>
Sent: Fri, Jan 4, 2013 11:16 am
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] 'The bike has been infected forever'… with the electrification virus ( ? ! )

Maybe 'threat' is the wrong word.  But an e-bike … just doesn't strike me as the same as a bike.
For one thing, there is an economic and demographic differentiation, e-bikes tend to be bought by older people who have several thousands to spend.

It is an odd feeling to be swiftly overtaken by a very old person riding a bike, pedaling very slowly.
But … maybe I need to feel more inclusive about it.

Wendy

On 04 Jan 2013, at 17:07, Kevin Dwyer wrote:

This is absolutely ridiculous. There are plenty of people who would like an alternative to a car but for whom their 150 watts of power won't suffice. These people have cargo bikes (sometimes with kids), live where there are steep hills, have long commutes etc., etc. etc. Should we discourage bus transit for those who need it simply because the cleanest technology has not been adopted. What about those folks for whom the electric bike is one of their quiver? What about people who don't have 150 watts?

They have pedals, right. Those people are members of your community, right. They'd like to support your shop, right?  And you're saying that because its not the purest/best technology, they should piss off?

How much more respect would all cyclists get if 5% of car drivers were suddenly e-bikers? How much more funding would bicycle safety, bicycle pathways and bicycle storage receive? These are our allies. Ever heard that old axiom about "cutting off your nose"? How about wheelchairs, handcycles, push scooters, skateboarders?

Strive to be inclusive. With some caveats to safety and capacity, we're in the mobility business; anyone trying to ride more softly on the earth is welcome. 

Kevin
The Bicycle Collective
Salt Lake City


On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 8:49 AM, Geoffrey Bercarich <geoff.bercarich@gmail.com> wrote:
My community bike space does not allow the fixing or repairing of electric assist vehicles.
Make signage.
On Jan 4, 2013 2:36 AM, "Wendy Monroe" <wendy.monroe@usermail.com> wrote:
Hello think tankers,

I'm seeing a lot of this sort of talk in the Netherlands…
Is there a broad trend in the States moving this direction, as well?

This Extra Energy organization is not thinking in terms of Cheap chinese made imports but rather of very pricey ( typically ) German products.
Or perhaps German branded products, manufactured in China….

But I see e-bikes in general as somewhat of a threat to those of us who love non electrified bicycles.

Any thoughts on this, fellow Americans?

http://extraenergy.org/main.php?language=en&category=information&subcateg=99&id=31757

Wendy

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--
Kevin Dwyer
ThinkLaw
Utah State Bar #11235
Washington State Bar #37740


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