Pedaling toward cleaner air

Cycling isn't just a great way to stay active. It also helps reduce air pollution by limiting car trips. But for many Americans, riding a bike for transportation simply isn't practical: streets are too dangerous, destinations are too far, or cycling may be too physically demanding. Across Washington, Ecology and our partners are working to reduce these barriers, allowing more people to reach for a helmet instead of their car keys.

In Shoreline, Tacoma, and Wenatchee, city and nonprofit-run programs are empowering people to bike more places, more often, and more safely. These projects received funding from Ecology's air quality in overburdened communities grant program, which invests Climate Commitment Act (CCA) dollars in locally led projects that aim to reduce air pollution.

"The great thing about these community-driven grant projects is that it puts the power of change in the hands of people who are on the ground and seeing the need first-hand," says Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. "These bikes hold the potential to limit how many of those "last mile" trips are made by cars, thereby reducing how much vehicle pollution is emitted in overburdened neighborhoods."

City of Shoreline

With the goal of reducing fossil fuel pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, the City of Shoreline offered 125 free e-bikes, gear, and safety classes to eligible residents who live in areas of Shoreline considered overburdened and highly impacted by air pollution under the CCA. To do this, the City partnered with Cascade Bicycle Club, a nonprofit that supports cycling in the Puget Sound Region.

Shoreline designed its "Pedal Forward Shoreline" program with environmental justice in mind. "By offering an all-encompassing, low-barrier program, we made it easier for people of all backgrounds to try e-biking, build confidence, and feel supported in making a new transportation choice," said City Sustainability Manager Paige Scheid.

Scheid also highlighted the community-building fostered by Pedal Forward Shoreline. "Our e-bike brings us so much joy… We have talked to many other families with bikes from the same program," one recipient said. "It has helped us meet neighbors and feel more in community with others." Another recipient commented along similar lines, noting that they "love seeing neighbors out riding!"

Other testimony from community members emphasized the program's many successes. In particular, recipients highlighted their appreciation of the comprehensive on-bike and off-bike safety workshops, their newfound confidence cycling around the city, and the benefits of a reasonable alternative to driving.

City of Tacoma

In Tacoma, over 200 community members received rebates to help pay for an e-bike through Ecology's grant program. A similar grant program from the Washington Department of Transportation funded an additional 200 bikes in the city.

"One rider told us they were surprised by just how much they've used their new e-bike. They even sold their vehicle after receiving it."

Like Shoreline, the City of Tacoma directed funding to areas disproportionately affected by air pollution. The City partnered with community organizations and local leaders, who were compensated to deliver culturally relevant information to their communities in Spanish, Khmer, and Vietnamese to encourage as many people as possible to apply. Outreach continued on social media and at two "E-Bike Community Parties," where people could learn more about e-bikes and how to apply.

Tacoma's program also included free adult "Learn to Ride" classes - in partnership with nonprofit community bike shop 2nd Cycle - designed to give recipients the skills and confidence needed to bike safely around the city. Feedback from class participants has been incredibly encouraging, said City Active Transportation Community Engagement Coordinator Jackie Kaiser, with many expressing newfound comfort and independence on two wheels.

"These e-bikes have opened up new opportunities for people to run errands and be active despite injuries," Kaiser explained. "One rider told us they were surprised by just how much they've used their new e-bike. They even sold their vehicle after receiving it."

Paulette, a resident of Tacoma, applied for an e-bike rebate after a friend sent her the flyer on social media. After being selected, she did research to find an e-bike model that would meet her needs. Despite not riding a bike since childhood, Paulette told the City at a Learn to Ride class, she enjoys having a new way to get around Tacoma.

Sustainable NCW

In Wenatchee, nonprofit Sustainable North Central Washington (Sustainable NCW) has used CCA funds to conduct community engagement, host safety and repair workshops, and give away refurbished bikes. Coordinated through the organization's Sustainable Bike Co-op, these programs aim to "make the use of bikes as transport a realistic and accessible option for all community members," said Beryl Bils, Sustainable NCW's Bike Education Coordinator.

Supporting community members is at the heart of Sustainable NCW's bike project. "Many people own bikes and simply don't have the confidence or access to fix them and feel safe riding," said Bils. "Our workshops focus on basic maintenance, safety checks, and practical riding knowledge so people can confidently choose a bike instead of a car for short, routine trips."

Making it easier for people to choose bikes over cars has a positive environmental impact. The Sustainable Bike Co-op hopes to improve local air quality by reducing the air pollution that comes from car engines. By providing better bike resources and infrastructure, cycling for transportation can become not just more eco-friendly than driving - but also more practical.

Wenatchee is already a very bikeable place, Bils said, though many people associate cycling with recreation rather than daily transportation. The Sustainable Bike Co-op has been working to shift this perception, in part by providing free bike parking at community events. Though the work has only just started, said Bils, it feels like they're making a difference.

"We have seen people attend multiple workshops and return to events for additional learning and support," she explained. "Our conversations at farmer's markets and events reflect growing interest in biking as a form of transportation, not just recreation or exercise."

Ecology estimates these three projects will annually cut over:

• 330 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent
• 250 pounds of nitrogen oxides (NO_x)
• 13 pounds of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)
• 8,000 pounds of carbon monoxide (CO)

That's like taking an estimated 95 cars off the road! These estimates make certain assumptions, such as how often a bike recipient is likely to replace car trips with bike trips. As other projects continue to unfold across the state, the estimated emissions reductions will increase.