How the US Can Start Manufacturing Bicycles Again

The Decline of US Bicycle Manufacturing

The Shift to China

Finding a bicycle, especially an e-bike, made in the US is nearly impossible. Over the past 30 years, the US has lost its entire bike manufacturing industry. Today, China dominates global bike production, with 97 percent of bikes purchased in the US being imports.

Blumenauer’s Efforts in Congress

A Legacy in the Making

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who chairs the Congressional Bike Caucus, is working tirelessly to promote cycling before his retirement at the end of the year. Despite a deeply polarized Congress, he aims to leave a legacy that includes a stalled e-bike rebate program. While electric cars dominate discussions, Blumenauer believes bikes and cycling deserve equal attention.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, left, from 2011.

Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

“This is a chance for a reset,” he said in an interview with The Zero Byte. “People understand bicycles are different.”

The Impact of Trade Policies

Tariffs and E-Bikes

Blumenauer highlights the need for safe cycling infrastructure and tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and batteries, to protect domestic manufacturers. E-bikes are caught in this trade war, with the Office of the United States Trade Representative indicating that e-bike batteries from China would be affected.

The Role of Bikes in a Sustainable Future

Addressing Car Culture

Cars have caused significant environmental and societal issues. Bikes, particularly e-bikes, offer a chance to mitigate these problems. While they won’t solve everything, they are crucial in promoting walkable cities and sustainable transit options, contributing to the fight against car culture and climate change.

Challenges Ahead

Legislative Hurdles

Blumenauer’s bill faces significant challenges: a divided Congress, the perception of bikes as a niche industry, and his impending retirement. He is working to find colleagues who can continue his efforts.

“There is growing awareness of the role that the bicycle plays across the board,” Blumenauer said. “It’s the most efficient form of transportation ever designed. And when we combine this inherent advantage of the bicycle with electrification, modernized and domestic, I think it’ll build the momentum we need.”