The much-anticipated launch of California’s state e-bike incentive program has been delayed for two years, leaving many to wonder what’s going on. With no definitive timeline in place, questions are arising about the program’s administration, especially regarding Pedal Ahead, the entity chosen to oversee it.
Delays and Setbacks
Headlines questioning the whereabouts of California's e-bike incentives have become common. Despite assurances from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that the program would launch "soon," actual progress has been elusive.
A "soft launch" was initiated to address issues like fairness and effective money distribution, but details about this phase are hard to come by. According to CARB, the soft launch is happening in areas like Barrio Logan in San Diego, parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, downtown Fresno, and unspecified tribal regions across the state. Most vouchers released so far have been redeemed in San Diego, where Pedal Ahead, the program's administrator, is located.
Lack of Transparency
Information about the soft launch remains scarce. The program's FAQ page has improved but still lacks crucial details about locations, outreach efforts, and organizations involved. Responses from CARB staff have been slow and vague, adding to the frustration surrounding the $30 million program's delayed implementation.
Controversy Surrounding Pedal Ahead
The San Diego Union Tribune recently reported that Pedal Ahead is under investigation for alleged improprieties and faces a lawsuit from an employee claiming unpaid wages. Concerns about the organization's connections to former CARB board member Nathan Fletcher have also surfaced. Despite these issues, CARB maintains that Pedal Ahead was chosen for its e-bike experience.
Background and Application Process
In 2021, after advocacy from the California Bicycle Coalition, the state allocated $10 million for a statewide e-bike incentive program with a launch deadline of July the following year. CARB received applications from three organizations: GRID Alternatives, the Center for Sustainable Energy, and Rider Safety Visibility (RSV), which runs Pedal Ahead.
GRID Alternatives proposed a comprehensive plan in partnership with Ecology Action, demonstrating a clear understanding of state requirements. In contrast, RSV’s proposal was more aligned with its existing "loan-to-own" program in San Diego rather than the state's vision of providing direct financial assistance for e-bike purchases.
Despite the disparities, CARB selected Pedal Ahead as the program administrator, announcing the decision in August 2022, a month after the intended launch date.
Concerns and Delays
Questions arose immediately about Pedal Ahead's suitability for managing the program, particularly regarding public outreach. Critics speculated whether personal connections influenced its selection. Despite these concerns, CARB emphasized that the administrator's role was primarily outreach management, although Pedal Ahead seemed to lack the necessary experience.
The slow decision-making process led to further delays, prompting CARB to hold numerous working group meetings to refine program parameters, such as eligibility criteria, incentive amounts, geographic distribution, e-bike types, battery certification, retailer participation, and educational support.
Despite ongoing efforts, a launch date remains elusive, and recent reports indicate that Pedal Ahead is under investigation by the Department of Justice and CARB. SANDAG, another entity that contracted Pedal Ahead for its e-bike program, recently limited its role due to an internal review.
Moving Forward
Both CARB and Pedal Ahead have been criticized for their lack of transparency. CARB has shared some resources, like a map of approved e-bike retailers and a list of eligible e-bikes, but communication about the program's progress has been inadequate.
At a recent meeting, CARB revealed a total of $30 million for the program, with $5 million earmarked for income-qualified applicants. However, it's unclear how Pedal Ahead's contract fits into this funding, and whether CARB will extend its contract beyond the initial allocation.
Despite these challenges, approximately 50 community-based organizations will receive microgrants for outreach, and CalBike, although not officially involved in the program, has been instrumental in keeping the public informed.
The Bigger Picture
The delay in launching the incentive program highlights a larger issue: the need for more substantial support to make e-bikes an accessible and widespread mode of transportation. While the current funding is a step in the right direction, it falls short of creating significant change.
For e-bikes to truly impact transportation emissions and offer viable alternatives, they must be accompanied by comprehensive infrastructure improvements, including safe streets, maintenance support, and public education. Only then can we hope to see a meaningful shift toward sustainable urban mobility.