BENTONVILLE, ARK. (October 4, 2023) — PeopleForBikes’ SHIFT‘23 conference is less than two weeks away and tickets are selling fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to join fellow industry leaders in Bentonville, Arkansas, from October 16-18 to discuss and shape the future of the fastest growing sector of the bike industry — electric bicycles.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer, a leading ally for bikes in Congress, will kick off the conversation at SHIFT‘23 and set the stage for how e-bikes are a key part of the solution to many complex problems facing communities today. As the co-chair of the Congressional Bike Caucus, Congressman Blumenauer introduced the Bicycle Commuter Act and co-sponsored the E-BIKE Act. His work addresses issues including trade, tariffs, de minimis, infrastructure funding, and tax credits, all of which are critical to the future of the bike industry.
Commissioner Mary T. Boyle of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will keynote the conference with an interview sharing her perspective on the future of federal e-bike regulations, including priorities for lithium ion batteries, bicycle regulations, product certification, rider safety, and more.
While e-bikes are a convenient mode of transportation, it's crucial that riders and our industry prioritize safety to prevent dangerous incidents. In light of the recent tragedies involving lithium ion batteries in New York City, Melinda Hanson from the Equitable Commute Project and Alex Logemann from DoorDash will discuss the proactive partnerships and safety initiatives helping New Yorkers address e-bike battery issues head on. The progress made in New York will likely shape e-bike battery safety regulations nationwide.
“The caliber of speakers we have lined up for SHIFT‘23 is truly noteworthy,” said Dr. Ash Lovell, PeopleForBikes’ electric bicycle policy and campaign director. “Congressman Blumenauer and Commissioner Boyle will share their expertise and perspectives on e-bikes at the federal level and leaders from New York City and across the country will discuss actionable insights for safely expanding the use of electric bicycles nationwide. Bike industry leaders are poised to take home countless lessons and take part in the important conversations shaping the future of e-bikes in the U.S.”
At the conference, PeopleForBikes will unveil its Electric Mountain Bike Pilot Project Toolkit. Based on methodology from the University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies' pilot project on using Class 1 eMTBs on natural surface trails, the toolkit is designed to help leaders make informed decisions on trail access. Land managers, city councils, policymakers, and bike advocates can utilize the toolkit to design and implement pilot programs to shed light on the benefits and perceptions of eMTB use on natural surface trails across the U.S.
“Mountain biking has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the last decade thanks in large part to improved bike technology, increased trail infrastructure, and growing interest as a sport. With the emergence of pedal-assist electric mountain bikes (eMTBs), there is more potential for an even larger segment of the population to enjoy the health benefits of recreation through mountain biking,” said Rachel Fussell, eMTB policy and program manager at PeopleForBikes. “This new toolkit offers a foundation to make it easier to propose, design, and implement eMTB pilot projects for increased trail access while considering each communities’ unique needs.”
SHIFT‘23 will also feature the launch of PeopleForBikes’ commercial electric cargo bike white paper, designed to help city planners and municipalities understand the benefits of introducing commercial e-cargo into their communities to reduce urban congestion, improve air quality, and decarbonize freight delivery.
This can’t-miss conference is almost sold out — limited tickets remain. Register today to secure your spot to experience the power of electric bicycles, only at SHIFT‘23.
Registration for SHIFT‘23 is $795. Register now at shift.peopleforbikes.org.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association and a national advocacy nonprofit representing more than 325 bicycle industry supplier members and nearly 1.4 million individuals. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to access and welcome more people to the joys of riding a bike. Our goal: Become the best place to ride a bike in the world. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.
