This dynamic two-part session is tailored for those seeking to enhance urban mobility and capitalize on the growing trend of e-bike tourism. In the first part, renewable energy experts Sushil Reddy from Mumbai, India, and Luis Fourzan from Chihuahua, Mexico, share actionable recommendations for improving bike infrastructure in the USA, drawn from their 7,000-mile e-bike journey across the country as part of The SunPedal Ride, an awareness campaign for clean energy and sustainable mobility. These insights are invaluable for road planners, engineers, and economic development and tourism professionals aiming to unlock economic opportunities through bike tourism.

The second part explores the transformative impact of electric bikes on urban transportation, where e-bike sales are outpacing electric cars, and delves into the practicalities of long-distance e-bike touring. Topics include selecting the right e-bike, packing essentials, planning routes, and addressing range limitations, including innovative solar charging solutions. Sushil Reddy, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest solar-powered e-bike ride, and Luis Fourzan, an experienced long-distance e-bike rider, provide expert guidance for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

This session equips attendees with the knowledge to integrate e-bike-friendly infrastructure into urban planning and foster tourism-driven economic growth. Whether you’re e-bike curious or a seasoned professional, this course offers practical strategies to support sustainable transportation and vibrant, bike-friendly communities.

Learning Objectives

• Understand key recommendations for improving bike infrastructure based on real-world insights from a 7,000-mile e-bike journey across the USA.
• Explore the economic and tourism potential of e-bike touring and its impact on local economies in small towns and urban areas.
• Learn practical considerations for long-distance e-bike touring, including equipment selection, route planning, and solar charging solutions.
• Identify strategies to design and maintain protected bike lanes and trails to enhance safety and encourage e-bike adoption in urban environments.
• Evaluate the role of e-bikes in transforming urban mobility and how to integrate them into city planning and policy frameworks.