University of Virginia Begins Electric Cargo Bike Trial

In August, the University of Virginia at Charlottesville began a yearlong electric cargo bike program through their Facilities Management Department. The diesel-powered utility vehicles the department currently uses for landscaping and maintenance are bulky, expensive, and contribute to carbon emissions. According to fleet manager Michael Duffy, switching to e-bikes will save money and align with the university’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent below 2009 levels by 2025. If the program proves to be beneficial, the university will consider replacing more of its utility vehicles with e-bikes. — By Rachael Kelley

Editor’s Note: Dec. 16, 2019: This article was updated from the print version to include the start date of the bike program.