E-bikes are in the news! They glide up hills and along bike lanes throughout Marin County, grace the cover of the local papers, and dominated this year’s Interbike, the annual bicycle industry new product convention in Reno, Nevada.
MCBC is a firm believer in pedal-assist e-bikes and is taking the lead in educating Marin about their many benefits:
- Reducing traffic congestion: Let’s help more people take advantage of our world-class bicycle and pedestrian facilities
- Enabling Healthy Lifestyles: Studies show e-bikers are healthier and more productive
- Protecting the environment: Replacing car trips with bike and e-bike trips is one of the easiest ways to reduce carbon emissions in our air and drinking water
- Adding A Touch of Magic: E-bikes have the uncanny ability to flatten Marin’s hilly terrain!
Every member and supporter we’ve spoken with wants to understand the different classes of e-bikes. To promote an informed and fact-based conversion, MCBC, will host an e-bike demo area and workshop at this year’s Biketoberfest, in partnership with leading e-bike brands and bike shops “E-bikes are a real game changer for everyone, but especially for those who would rather ride than drive for daily transportation but might be held back by hilly terrain,” observed MCBC Executive Director Jim Elias. “It’s little wonder they’ve become so common in Marin, and so quickly.”
E-bike demos
Local e-bike retailers The New Wheel and Mike’s Bikes will showcase e-bikes hand picked for the geography of Marin County. E-bike manufacturers Faraday, Tern, Specialized and Yuba bicycles will highlight their models specially designed for commuting, family cycling and even a folding e-bike perfect for taking with you on the train or BART!
E-bike Workshop
Are e-bikes a good thing for Marin? With clear rules on how and where to ride an e-bike, everyone stands to benefit. Local bicycle shops will see increased business and their customers will no longer be confused; people who already ride e-bikes can more easily understand where to ride; and new bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience will have new transportation alternatives.
Guest Speakers
TBA
CALIFORNIA’S E-BIKE LAW FOR THE ROAD
E-bikes are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles. E-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.
California designates three classes of e-bikes:
Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance
only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide
assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that
ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance
only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide
assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
What: Biketoberfest Marin 2018
When: Saturday October 13
Where: Fairfax Plaza, downtown Fairfax, CA
Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission/Tickets: Event Admission is FREE
Brewfest tickets available at: https://biketoberfestmarin2018.eventbrite.com
