About Gorge Rides

A free community e-bike library, built by and for Bingen and White Salmon.

What we are

Gorge Rides is a free shared e-bike program for residents of Bingen and White Salmon. We operate a fleet of 30 e-bikes — 25 standard step-through models and 5 passenger bikes that carry a second rider — across three hub locations. You can borrow a bike for as little as two days or as long as a month. No fees, no membership, no catch.

Who runs it

Gorge Rides is a team effort: E-Bike Multnomah Falls runs day-to-day e-bike operations here in the Gorge, Forth — a nonprofit advancing equitable electric mobility — operates the program under the WSDOT grant, Dr. Roscoe's maintains the fleet, Bikeabout leads bike safety education, and Whalin Consulting handles communications. See who does what →

Why it exists

Many households in our area rely on a single vehicle, share a car with extended family, or walk and bus where they can. Gorge Rides is built to meet that reality — a free, reliable bike with a battery that lets you climb the hill home, haul groceries, drop kids at school, or commute without paying for gas.

The program is grant-funded through the Washington State Department of Transportation's E-Bike Lending Library and Ownership Grant Program, which is supported by the Washington Climate Commitment Act. The HEAL Act (RCW 70A.65.230) directs that program funds meaningfully benefit vulnerable populations within overburdened communities — and that mandate shapes how we operate.

How the program is evaluated

Researchers at the University of Washington study how e-bike lending libraries affect car trips, household transportation costs, and access to essential services. Completing the UW/WSDOT program surveys and sharing trip data is a required condition of participation under the Participant Agreement; data handling follows Washington privacy law.

Safety and stewardship

Every bike gets an inspection before and after every loan. Every participant goes through the Pre-Ride Orientation and a supervised test ride, in English or Spanish. Helmets are required and provided. Fleet maintenance is handled by Dr. Roscoe's, our contracted local bike shop.

Funding & transparency

• Underlying grant: WSDOT E-Bike Lending Library and Ownership Grant Program (CCA-funded).
• Term: June 2026 – June 2027 (with the goal of program continuation beyond).
• Borrowing is and will remain free for eligible residents for the duration of the grant.