Whereas the Province of British Columbia has a goal of improving affordability for British Columbians and reducing greenhouse gas emissions GHGs, and has set sectoral targets to reach GHG emissions from transportation by 27 to 32 below 2007 levels by 2023, but is so far still seeing an increase in those emissions; And whereas the 2024 University of British Columbias Research on Active Transportation REACH Lab Study on the Saanich E-Bike Incentive Pilot Program demonstrates that e-bike incentives effectively motivate new bike riders; significantly reduce weekly car travel, GHG emissions and Vehicle Kilometres Travelled VKTs from personal transportation; are extremely cost competitive compared to other climate transportation incentive programs in BC; and overcome cost barriers for idle and lower income households: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province commit sufficient funding for the continuation of the successful BC E-Bike Rebate Program for middle and low income households in BC in 2025 and beyond.
