cross-posted from: https://fedia.io/m/[email protected]/t/2946252

California’s ambitious statewide electric bicycle incentive program is officially dead – and it didn’t even get a funeral. After years…

  • StitchInTime@piefed.social
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    17
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    2 days ago

    I’m assuming you don’t live in a hilly area. As someone who rides for recreation around areas with steeper inclines, my ebike has been a gateway to outdoor activity I would have otherwise avoided. Now I’m not zooming on trails inconsiderately, and that is a problem, but from a technology standpoint they’re kind of the best of both worlds when used responsibly.

    • RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      arrow-down
      6
      ·
      2 days ago

      You’re basically saying that because you say you behave right e-bikes are fine. I’m sure there are responsible car owners that have exactly the same excuse.

      • StitchInTime@piefed.social
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        8
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        2 days ago

        It sounds like we’ve had drastically different experiences.

        I’m saying they are better than fine, and a great technology for mobility as an alternative to cars for single riders, and if paired with other methods of transport (busses, light rail) they’re a fantastic last mile solution.

        I’ve personally nearly been run over by bike riders going way too fast on the streets of Amsterdam, I doubt the extra 20lbs of a battery would have made a difference in the danger there. Lack of education, personal responsibility, and enforcement doesn’t equate to a wonderful technology being discouraged for those who would most be positively impacted, and I personally think they’re a fantastic way to encourage a decline in the number of cars in the road in urban environments.

        Your points aren’t invalid, and I agree a self centered asshole zooming around at 25mph is an issue in a crowded sidewalk, but I think that speaks more of our current post-covid society of selfishness than the technology itself.

    • Breezy@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      arrow-down
      6
      ·
      2 days ago

      Responsibility is the issue. How many asshats ride around where they shouldn’t be sullieing the use of them for everyone

      • StitchInTime@piefed.social
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        2 days ago

        I don’t disagree with you, but that’s the same for almost anything if consideration for others is thrown out the window.