In the United States, the city of Denver has implemented a program like no other: paying its residents to encourage them to cycle, up to a limit of $200 per month. The program is currently fragmented by quarter.
In 2018, the city of Denver (Colorado) had to establish a sad observation: 30% of its greenhouse gas emissions were due to transport, largely represented by cars. Faced with the climate emergency, the municipality therefore considered and then implemented a program aimed at strengthening cycling in its city, reports Cycling Transition.
The idea is simple: pay residents who use muscle bikes or electric bikes to get around, in order to encourage them to travel as much as possible with this clean mode of transport. A successful candidate can earn $1 per mile (1.6 km), up to a limit of $200 over three months – the program is renewed each quarter.
Some selection criteria
In total, it is therefore possible to accumulate $600 for anyone traveling 320 km per month by bike. Which corresponds on average to 10 km per day over thirty days, which is largely feasible in practice, especially in large American cities where distances are generally longer than ours.
Denver makes no distinction between a mechanical and electric bicycle. On the other hand, it takes into account several criteria to select a panel of 85 participants: being aged 18 or over, living in Denver (with a few exceptions), being a low-income person and residing in a disadvantaged neighborhood, perhaps we read on its official page.
Training and assistance with purchasing accessories
In addition, “Confident Commuter” training is organized for all those selected. Personalized coaching for 4 hours, envelope of 500 dollars to buy bike accessories, repair your cycle or even buy one: everything is done to get you on the saddle in the best conditions.
Given the number of candidates taken each quarter, Denver is probably aware that this work must be carried out over the long term to educate people about cycling and make them want to abandon their car as soon as they can. We can only welcome this beneficial initiative for the planet and our lungs.