Published in the Stevens County Times
Have you seen me zipping around town on the blue bicycle, long skirts and curly hair
flapping a little ridiculously in the prairie breeze? That bicycle—and how it’s changing
my everyday life—has turned me into an “e-bike evangelist.” If you already commute
regularly by bicycle, hurrah! But if you’re someone who is pouring money into a gas-
guzzling monster just to pick up groceries or get to work, please read on.Electric bikes are becoming more popular and therefore cheaper. They’re also simple to
ride: the battery-powered motor on a pedal-assist bike naturally responds to how hard
you pedal. I ride my e-bike later into the autumn and start earlier in the spring because
the speed makes it comfortable in cold or rain. (With snow tires, it would certainly be
possible to continue all winter.) It’s so much more convenient than my car, especially in
a town of our size. And it’s fun! Think of the sensation of coasting after pedaling hard
on a regular bicycle—an e-bike feels that way all the time.As a replacement for more time in the car, e-bikes win out for your wallet, health, safety,
and our environment. If you’d like to learn more, I recommend electricbikereview.com.
You can also try one yourself by renting at the RFC, or just get in touch with me to
borrow mine sometime.Emily Bruce