Pedal Ahead is a two-year electric bicycle program by Rider Safety Visibility (RSV), a 501c3, in partnership with County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher to serve as an alternative to automobile transportation in County Supervisorial District 4. Through the adoption of electric bicycles, Pedal Ahead’s goal is to provide quality of life improvement for participants using the e-bikes for commuting and recreational activities. Through phased integration Pedal Ahead will create a network of individually operated e-bikes that are initially loaned and eventually owned by participants at the program’s two-year conclusion. The program will emphasize increasing e-bike ridership throughout the District, but with a specific focus for residents living in Chollas (92105, 92102, 92115), City Heights (92105), Encanto (92114), Linda Vista (92111), and Rolando and Redwood Village (92115, 92105). Riders will use a GPS technology app to track trip distances, and transportation and recreation patterns, which will be reported to RSV and updated regularly. There will be up to 400 e-bikes available before July 2021.

To qualify for the Pedal Ahead program you must live in one of the following zip codes in Supervisorial District 4  — 92037, 92093, 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92123,92140, 92161

Absolutely! County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher is an avid cyclist and electric bike enthusiast. He has recognized the importance of electric bicycles for addressing our environmental challenges, promoting healthy living, and creating communities. In vibrant and bikeable District 4, Pedal Ahead will make this vision a reality in partnership with Rider Safety Visibility.

Pedal Ahead has 200 electric bicycles available to participants in San Diego County Supervisorial District 4, with an emphasis on those living and working in the zip codes of 92105, 92102, 92115, 92114 and 92111.

Pedal Ahead electric bicycles are the popular Electra Bicycles Townie GO! 7D, available in the Storm Cloud step thru and Matte Black step over frames. The e-Bikes are simple to use, have comfort saddles, and feature with three levels of pedal assist — meaning the rider must be pedaling to receive the electric boost from the motor. Electra Bicycles is headquartered in Solana Beach, making them the perfect partner for this San Diego County project.

Each bicycle is new, whereas participants will be the inaugural user. We sanitize each unit upon delivery

The Pedal Ahead community e-bike program is currently not accepting new applicants. Check back shortly. After an application is submitted, the Rider Safety Visibility staff will review the application and contact you via email and telephone to arrange delivery or pickup of the Pedal Ahead e-bike. RSV does not share participant information with third parties.

Each participant is required to ride the Pedal Ahead e-bike an average of five miles per day over the course of the two-year period, a total of 3,650 miles. At the conclusion of the program, the e-bike becomes theirs’ to own. Participants not reaching the mileage level will be offered the opportunity to own the e-bike at a pro-rated cost to be determine. Participants will be required to track their mileage and report to Rider Safety Visibility. In addition, riders are required to carry insurance for liability, loss, theft and damage to their e-bike.

Pedal Ahead has designated Uptown Bicycles at 3426 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, as its flagship community center for program participant meetings, group rides, neighborhood forums, e-bike distribution and maintenance, skills training and rider safety education. During the two-year period, the Uptown Bicycles will be available to conduct regular maintenance and safety inspections overseen by Rider Safety Visibility. In addition, University of San Diego (USD) and The Brink, through the Innovate-Up Program, has made its resources available to Uptown Bicycles, including business mentoring, legal, and financial resources. 

Absolutely not. The Pedal Ahead program is open to riders 18 and up and all bicycling abilities. We want the electric bikes to be used for work, recreation and above all else, promote active healthy lifestyles. Monthly classes will include opportunities to learn more about e-bikes, how to ride safely, maintenance and bicycle security, and other bicycle related topics.

Rider Safety Visibility will be providing each participant with a safety and visibility package that includes helmet, high visibility vest, front and rear bicycle lights as well as bike lock for security. Each e-bike will also be equipped with devices that secure front wheels and seats. RSV will provide instruction on how accessories and safety features are operated.

Through support from SDG&E and The San Diego Foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund, Pedal Ahead supports workforce development in these under-served communities by providing an opportunity to the targeted age group (18-26) to participate in internships, mentorships and education classes through a Community Center partnership with Uptown Bicycles, Mesa College, Adams Avenue Business Association, San Diego Workforce Partnership and Outdoor Outreach. Rider Safety Visibility has worked with leaders in the bicycle industry to develop a curriculum to include small business entrepreneurship, marketing and sales and mechanical bicycle maintenance. Through a network of partners in both the local and national bicycling industries, the program will also allow additional opportunities for young adults to gain real-world work experiences, which include learning maintenance on traditional and electric bicycles, group rides, and participating in events that support the Pedal Ahead program. For more information, and to sign up, email kmerrill@ridersafetyvisibility.com

Pedal Ahead Course #1

• TOPIC: Basic Mechanic & Skills Training — Your First Miles on Pedal Ahead e-Bikes
• DATE: October 24, 2020
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue, San Diego

  DESCRIPTION: This Pedal Ahead course will discuss the how to get the best e-biking experience possible with an in-depth look at the operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting of the Electra Townie GO! 7D electric bicycles. Experts from Uptown Bicycles and Electra Bicycles will be on-hand as well as RSV leaders to discuss safe e-biking tips.

Pedal Ahead Course #2

• TOPIC: Pedal Ahead — Call all Participants; Job Opportunities in Bicycle Industry
• DATE: November 14, 2020
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue, San Diego

  DESCRIPTION: We're meeting with our Pedal Ahead participants to get feedback on the program, how the e-bikes are riding, and to get testimonials from our riders. We're also talking bicycle mechanics jobs in the industry and how they are needed to build, set-up and maintain both conventional and electric bicycles. A special emphasis will be placed on electric bicycles during this session.

Pedal Ahead Course #3

• TOPIC: Introduction to Pedal Ahead; Jobs in the Bicycle Industry with Mesa College Students
• DATE: November 21, 2020
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue, San Diego

  DESCRIPTION: Pedal Ahead and Mesa College will host a special program spotlighting how Mesa College students can participant in the Pedal Ahead program as a e-bike rider and/or Young Adult Education member. Pedal Ahead has assembled a roster of industry experts to discuss careers in the bicycle industry that includes mechanics, bike store operation, sales and marketing, and much more.

Pedal Ahead Course #4

• TOPIC: Sales & Marketing Careers in the Bicycle Industry
• DATE: December 5, 2020
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue

  DESCRIPTION: The bicycle industry features immense competition as bike and e-Bike manufacturers, parts and accessories companies look to add customers and increase market share. Brands carefully cultivate marketing and PR strategies to influence buyers’ decisions via traditional media, product reviews, social media and testimonials from customers and ambassadors. The panel of experts will discuss careers in the burgeoning area of marketing in the bicycles industry from the perspective of inside and outside marketing and public relations.

Pedal Ahead Course #5

• TOPIC: Entrepreneurship in the Bicycle & Sports Industry
• DATE:  December 12, 2020
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue

  DESCRIPTION: San Diego is home to a high concentration of bicycle and sports performance companies. What does it take to turn an entrepreneurial idea into a full-fledged leader in the sports industry? Pedal Ahead will bring together a unique panel of experts will discuss the process to create a business, obtain funding and bring your dream into a reality.

Pedal Ahead Course #6

• TOPIC: Careers in the Bicycle & Electric Bike Media
•  DATE: December 19, 2020
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue

  DESCRIPTION: There are dozens of publications and hundreds of bicycle, gear and blog web sites that cover the bicycle and e-Bike industry. If you like to write and have a keen interest in these industries, many media outlets are looking for writer contributors to cover events, write product reviews and share their knowledge with like-minded bicycle industry enthusiasts. Pedal Ahead will bring together a decorated panel of media experts to discuss all aspects for covering the bicycle and e-Bike industries.

Pedal Ahead Course #7

• TOPIC: Staging Bicycle Industry Events
• DATE: January 9, 2021
• TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Uptown Bicycles, 3426 Adams Avenue

  DESCRIPTION: The post COVID-19 world poses challenges in the near term to hosting various bicycle events. But the industry remains creative in its approach to attract attendees, rider and customers. We have seen smaller group events, to virtual trade shows and even Gran Fondo rides during 2020. The panel of experts will discuss some of their greatest successes in staging bicycle events and forecast what is on the horizon in terms of promoting future events in the post COVID-19 world. And they will cover what skills are needed to perform in the bicycle events industry.

Founding Partners:

• Rider Safety Visibility 501c3
• County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher
• San Diego County’s Community Enhancement Program
• The Left Coast Fund
• The San Diego Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund
• SDGE

Supporting Partners:

• Uptown Bicycles
• Electra Bicycles
• NiteRider Technical Lighting
• ArroWhere Equipment
• Kali Protectives
• PinHead Bike Security
• California Bicycles
• Rocky Mounts
• Vittoria Cycling Shoes
• LOT204 Creative
• Hammond Climate Solutions

Community Partners:

• Adams Avenue Business Association
• Broadway Heights Community Council
• Bayside Community Center
• Bike Clairemont
• BikeSD
• San Diego County Bike Coalition
• Outdoor Outreach
• San Diego Mesa College
• San Diego Workforce Partnership
• San Diego MTS
• San Diego Mountain Biking Association
• YMCA of San Diego County