Episode 60: The Power of E-Bikes with Congressman Earl Blumenauer
Added 2021-03-02 14:48:23 +0000 UTCHello War on Cars supporters,
Welcome to March! We're back with a new episode, this time interviewing Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon about a new bill that would lower the cost of electric bike ownership by providing Americans who purchase one with a 30% tax credit. Will it work? We'd love to hear what you think! Tag us on Twitter or send us an email with your thoughts.
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Doug, Aaron and Sarah
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EPISODE SUMMARY:
Electric bikes shorten commutes, flatten hills and make cycling accessible to anyone who might need a boost. They’re also great tools for replacing car trips and fighting climate change. Unfortunately, they’re still a little pricey for some people. That could change thanks to a new bill in Congress: the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment Act. Co-sponsored by Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, the E-BIKE Act would offer a tax credit of 30% of the price of an electric bicycle, something that could bring the joys of e-bike ownership within reach of more Americans. Congressman Blumenauer joins The War on Cars to discuss the bill, why commuter benefits ought to apply to bicycle sharing systems, and the economic, environmental and social benefits of bike commuting in general. (Spoiler alert: cyclists typically don’t murder each other over parking.) Plus, he offers his thoughts on Democratic control of the House and Senate and the recent appointment of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
SHOW NOTES:
Support the E-BIKE Act by contacting your representative in Congress using this handy tool from PeopleForBikes or look up your congressperson and get in touch directly.
Get the full details on the E-BIKE Act via BikePortland.org
Learn more about Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s life and career.
“E-bikes are expensive, but this congressman wants to make them more affordable” (Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge)
“E-Bikes for Everyone!” (David Zipper, Slate)
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Comments
Really enjoyed this talk. Going to look at the actual legislation and encourage Australia’s legislators to emulate it. Glad to hear equity emphasised. Will tag our tax office, so they too can learn what the IRS is being asked to do. Thanks again, TWOC.
Paris
2021-03-05 11:56:17 +0000 UTCHi David! We're hoping to do an episode on the conservative case for bikes. In the meantime, this is an old post but it's pretty helpful: https://www.campfirecycling.com/blog/2010/12/11/how-to-talk-about-cycling-to-a-conservative
The War on Cars
2021-03-02 20:45:05 +0000 UTCWould love to hear some recommended talking points to get in touch with my pretty-conservative representatives for Indiana. I'm just not sure how to make an effective case here.
David Savage
2021-03-02 19:51:41 +0000 UTC
