Encinitas Will Subsidize Bikeless Residents

In a public statement, the city of Encinitas has announced a program that will help bikeless residents buy traditional or electric bicycles.

“The bikes today are not like those we grew up with,” said the statement. “Bikes — especially electric bikes — have become a high-ticket purchase.

“To lighten the financial burden and increase ridership, the city will pay 25 percent of any new bicycle purchase. Participants will be required to show proof of their Encinitas residency. Those who qualify must present the receipt for the purchase and show that the bike is being ridden by bringing it to City Hall for examination at least 30 days after the buy date.”

The program begins on January 2, 2020 and applies to bikes bought from that date on.

“Despite the city’s focus on bicycling as an alternative to cars, the response has been negligible. We expect the subsidy program to have a significant positive effect,” said the statement.