Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation (FEAT) Provides Reliable Transit for Lehigh Valley Residents In Need

In the Lehigh Valley, a staggering 19,383 households—about 7.4% of the region—do not have access to a vehicle.* In a geographic location that offers very limited public transportation services, this poses a critical handicap for thousands of community members. 

“[The] Lehigh Valley, like many regions across the country, is largely car dependent. In a car-centric society, not having access to a vehicle can limit access to critical needs, including employment, educational opportunities, healthcare, daycare and grocery stores. It can also substantially increase the burden of time required to move between locations,” stated the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission in its February 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan.*

To address this gap, Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation (FEAT) was established in 2024. Founded by Megan Lysowski; Jackie Palos Bzura of Bicycle Motor Works; and Chris Briggs, founder of Bethlehem eBike; FEAT is committed to making transportation via electric bikes accessible to lower income individuals in the Lehigh Valley in order to promote economic advancement and environmental sustainability.

“We want to serve low-income residents in our community who are in need of reliable transportation for their everyday needs,” Lysowski said. “Transportation is a significant expense for almost everyone. For low-income individuals, the expense of a car can be beyond their means. An electric bike provides a critical link to transportation that creates financial space for the individual to effect a real change in their life.”

So far, FEAT has already coordinated one ebike package delivery, which contained an assortment of items donated from various organizations: a fully-equipped ebike, high-performance ebike battery, charger, master lock and headlights, all donated by Bicycle Motor Works; bike safety classes and a helmet, donated by the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT); and an ebike maintenance session, donated by Bethlehem eBike. The recipient, Anthony, agreed to fill out quarterly surveys about his ebike use in order to evaluate its impact.

“After looking for an organization and recipient to work with for a few months, we finally came across Anthony. He had been researching buying an ebike with his employer and residence Cafe the Lodge. It was great to have a recipient who was so excited, he was bugging his boss repeatedly about when he was going to receive his ebike,” Lysowski said. “Handing off the ebike was a special day, and it has been heartwarming to hear how it has improved his ability to get around the valley.”

FEAT’s founders aim to provide ebike access to 10 individuals within their first year of operation. They will continue to monitor the ebikes’ impact and partner with local organizations, including Bicycle Motor Works, Bethlehem eBike and CAT, to provide full ebike packages to community members in need.

“Ensuring equitable access to transportation increases the opportunity to alleviate poverty by providing a reliable source of transportation to work, education, and social aids. We intend to give our recipients the financial space and transportation freedom to access these opportunities,” Lysowski said.

To learn more and support FEAT in making transportation more accessible for Lehigh Valley individuals in need, please visit FEAT’s page at Humanitarian Social Innovations.

 

Source:

*Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Lehigh Valley Priority Climate Action Plan. February 2024. https://content.lvpc.org/Publications/2024%20Priority%20Climate%20Action.pdf