Ossining Seeks $7M Grant For E-Bikes: VIDEO

OSSINING, NY — Ossining officials are trying to put electric bikes in reach of every resident and visitor, to benefit people who don’t wish to drive, don’t find it economical to drive, or need a quick and fun way to get around the village.

With Project MOVER, Ossining is in the running to be among three communities to win a $7 million grant for clean transportation infrastructure under the NYS Electric Mobility Challenge.

Navigating the Village of Ossining can be more challenging without the use of a car, said Mayor Rika Levin. "We have long been in search of strategies to secure alternative forms of mobility for our residents."

Project MOVER was conceived by the team at Nelson\Nygaard, who worked on the village’s mobility and parking study for downtown, and the project leader, EIT InnoEnergy and electric micromobility provider ACTON.

Village officials have signed on four incubator communities — Town of Ossining, Village of Croton, Village of Tarrytown and Village of Dobbs Ferry — who would be able to share in the planning efforts during Year 1, and if they like what they see, the program could be extended to their communities as well.

With it, Ossining will be able to deploy pedal-assist e-bikes throughout the village via rental service (like CitiBike), bike libraries assigned to specific multi-family homes/ places of employment, and even an affordable rent-to-own program for those who cannot afford, or do not wish, to own a personal vehicle.

Project MOVER received a Phase One award package, which is what puts it in the running for that $7 million. Grand prize winners will be announced in the fall.