If you’re at all like me (of an age and not city-bred) you may understand that the thought of riding a bicycle in traffic strikes fear into my very soul.

Now I have tremendous admiration for the number of fit adults using their legs instead of the gas pedal, and I watch out for them like a mother duck watches over her young. But I strongly suspect that if I tried it I would soon be another “Bike meets Car” statistic and that is not how I want to go.

I’ve been to Amsterdam, where bicycles are the most common form of transportation, and seen those sturdy single-gear bikes being driven by moms, a kid on the back and a pile of groceries in the front basket, negotiating traffic while holding an umbrella and talking on her cell phone. Impressive.

I did bring home one of those bikes, given to me by my Dutch uncle, but the fact is that having just one speed in hilly Seattle could kill me, or most likely have me calling Jim to come with the station wagon right away.

While riding in traffic isn’t an option, the back streets of Crown Hill / Sunset Hill are just fine for a trip to the store or coffee shop. Exercise and less driving are just a couple of good incentives to get on the bike. But I needed one to meet me halfway.

The electric bike is the perfect solution. Ideal for local errands on a nice day, and if you’re not as young as you used to be and the incline is a bit much, then a little boost (or a lot of boost!) is right there. Gotta love a little help when you can get it!

Rhonda lives in Ballard and is the Urban Crop Circle Project Leader for Sustainable Ballard. Questions, Comments, Ideas? You can reach her at Rhonda@sustainableballard.org.