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[A shorter version of this text was prepared for the Clean
Transportation Incentives item but my hand was up near the end and
was not called on.]

Good evening, Jason Meggs here with some more encouraging words
about bicycles. 

CALIFORNIA NEEDS TO CATCH UP
I need to reiterate that CARB has really missed the boat on
boosting bicycles. Electric bicycles can substitute for motor
vehicle trips in a large share of cases and if we are to set our
sights on a low-carbon, clean air, healthy future we need to change
course and invest rapidly in allowing, faciltating and of course
FUNDING a paradigm shift where bicycling is an everyday widespread
option.

BE TECHNOLOGY-INCLUSIVE
CARB makes much of the idea that we are technology neutral. Yet
very imbalanced technology investments have been made to-date.
Bicycles are the most energy-efficient land transport vehicle, do
they not deserve at the very least, a place at the table?

ADVANTAGING DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES
From the perspective of benefitting disadvantaged communities, I
pointed out several years ago to CARB leadership that for the
amount of the incentive to help a low-income family purchase an
alternative propulsion car, at that time potentially a maximum of
$8,000, was highly questionable as an incentive (note I spent years
developing an incentive program for refrigeration technology,
seeking to benefit disadvantaged communities).

Even $8,000 still left that family on the hook for a large purchase
for a single vehicle, perhaps $30,000, with ongoing operating
costs, and usable for at most one trip at a time.

For $8000, or even a fraction of that, rather than buy a ball and
chain of an expensive liability of a car, we could outfit an entire
family with world-class electric cargo bicycles, debt-free - plus
add in the training and encouragement to use them safely and enjoy
them - as well as ongoing support to repair and maintain them.

MODEL BICYCLE CITIES
Why not seek partnership with areas designated as disadvantaged
communities as opportunities to develop model bicycle communities,
investing aggressively in highly visible, highly available and
accessible, equitable transportation there, setting an example to
build on for others to adopt?

GREEN JOBS
A paradigm shift to electric cargo bicycles and light electric
vehicles promises to create many green jobs. For example, for
roughly the cost of a delivery truck and driver two bikes and two
drivers can be hired. Moreover as quality cargo bicycles are made
by hand, California could set sights on local long-term resiliency
by investing in local expertise and manufacturing to truly
California-ize the cargo bicycle.

ECONOMIC AND MOBILITY FREEDOM
The cost of a motor vehicle is a large portion of any low-income
family's budget. Bicycling gives relief - while also providing more
mobility to a wider age range - and providing health and emotional
benefits which offer lifelong value, reducing health costs and
suffering greatly, on balance, in the process.

True, motor vehicles are essential to access many jobs given our
land use patterns and historic investments. 

TURN THE TIDE
However, launching a bike initiative with major life-changing
investments in disadvantaged communities is a strategy to turn the
tide and shift our economy to shorter trips. Numerous studies show
economic benefits of bicycling, check the book:
Bikeonomics by Elly Blue. 

I'd be happy to provide a free copy to anyone at CARB (wouldn't be
the first time).

Thank you for considering these ideas - I am available to discuss
and help bring them to fruition.

Jason N. Meggs, MCP/MPH
+1 510-725-9991
jasonmeggs@gmail.com