Electric Bike Creates New Opportunities

Lake Stevens Man Rides Away on Bike Month Prize

Snohomish County, Wash. – About 600 people entered to win an electric bicycle during Community Transit Bike Month events last May, but only Ron Paynter gets to ride away with the prize.

The bike, donated by PIM Bicycles in Fremont, has a 750-watt motor that automatically engages when the rider starts pedaling. An LCD display on the handlebars shows speed, mileage, battery level, ride time and the level of pedal assistance being provided. Its retail value is $1,695.

Paynter works in the public works department of the City of Monroe. He won’t be able to use the bike to commute to work from his home in Lake Stevens, but he is excited to use it while running errands or exploring Centennial Trail.

“It’s a whole new opportunity to get active,” Paynter said. “I can ride it without worrying about getting into trouble on a hill.”

Bike Everywhere Month occurs in May, and celebrates all types of bicycling, including recreational riding and biking for everyday transportation. Through its work with large employers affected by the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction program, Community Transit helped to sponsor 25 different Bike to Work stations throughout the month by providing a participation kit that included event supplies, bike lights, banners and entry cards for winning the electric bike.

Community Transit is responsible for providing bus and paratransit service, vanpool and alternative commute options in Snohomish County. The agency is building a network of Swift bus rapid transit lines, with Swift Blue Line along Highway 99 and Swift Green Line, between Canyon Park/Bothell and Boeing/Paine Field, coming in 2019.