In an opinion article by Smart Cities Dive, Marta Anadón Rosinach argues that California’s approach to clean transportation leaves the lowest income residents who need the most.
According to Rosinach, “It’s time to rethink the definition of ‘clean mobility’ and include fair access. A zero-emission vehicle may qualify for paper, but it’s not helpful if Stoctton shift workers or San Bernardino teenagers aren’t in school. “In addition, buses and trains do not reach all areas or provide reliable service.
Rosinach is looking for a wider adoption of lighter electric vehicles (LEVs), such as electronic bikes, electronic sumoters and other small vehicles, which can help replace car trips at a lower cost than electric vehicles. The level “needs to own and operate it than a car, requires less space and less resources, and should work well in urban areas.”
Rosinach argues that cities and nations should do more to subsidize the purchase of LEVs. This could be an important mobility lifeline for low-income people. There are also operational clean assistance programs and California E-Bike incentives, but these programs are limited, underfunded, and e-bike vouchers have been removed within minutes of release.
By expanding the En-Bike voucher program to include second-hand bicycles, the state can raise more funds to help more people. “Even beyond rebates, we need to start treating light electric transport like a public good with dedicated investments in LEV infrastructure. There is not just a scattered bike lane, but a statewide network of safe, physically separate routes that connect the neighborhood to schools, jobs and transportation.”
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