Transcript:

This past spring, a new library opened in Buffalo, New York. But instead of books, it lends out electric bikes.

Harvey Miles is program director of the E-Bike Library. It’s run by the East Side Bike Club, which works to expand access to biking in communities of color.

Hopping on an e-bike instead of driving is good for the climate – and good for riders too.

Miles: “I’m benefiting from conserving fuel … I’m saving on money. And I’m out in the community. I’m getting air.”

And riders do not need to pedal as hard as they would with a traditional bike because the e-bikes have a small motor that provides a boost.

Miles: “I’m not going to get to work as sweaty … and generally, you can get places relatively fast.”

So e-bikes provide a good option for commuters.

To borrow a bike from the library, people need to attend a short training session.

Miles: “We emphasize safety, rules of the road, respecting drivers so they can respect you … how to make decisions when you come to intersections … what to wear at night.”

And then they can check out an e-bike for up to three days at a time.

So the library provides an easy, affordable way for people to give this clean transportation option a try.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media