News

September 1, 2026

Borrowing, step by step

The questions we hear most, answered in one place. Who can borrow? Anyone 18+ who lives in Bingen, White Salmon, or a nearby Klickitat County community. What does it cost? Nothing — no fees, no deposit. What do you need? Any document showing your name and a local address. How long does pickup take? About 30 minutes, including the safety orientation, in English or Spanish.

Reserve at gorgerides.org/reserve, or call or text (971) 754-4392 — we'll walk you through it.

August 18, 2026

Who does what at Gorge Rides

A lending library takes a village. E-Bike Multnomah Falls staffs the hubs and the phone line, in English and Spanish, every day. Forth, a nonprofit advancing equitable electric mobility, operates the program under the WSDOT grant. Dr. Roscoe's in Bingen keeps all 30 bikes inspected and road-ready. Bikeabout designed the safety orientation — and offers free one-on-one riding lessons. And Whalin Consulting connects the program with neighbors and organizations across both towns.

The whole picture is at gorgerides.org/who-does-what.

August 5, 2026

The e-bike library is open — and the bikes barely sit still

Two weeks after our launch ride at Daubenspeck Park, 60 neighbors have signed up, 28 of our 30 bikes are out in Bingen and White Salmon right now, and the first returned loans have already logged more than 145 miles.

The launch itself was a morning to remember: a ribbon cutting with support from the mayors of both towns, a group ride through Bingen, and 16 bikes checked out to borrowers before the day ended.

Want one? Reservations run 2 days to a month, always free for local residents — start at gorgerides.org/reserve or call (971) 754-4392 (English y español).

August 5, 2026

Take your bike farther: the $40 Gorge Pass, free bags, and a WE-Bike rebate

The Gorge Pass is one annual pass for unlimited rides on all four Gorge transit services (fixed routes only) — $40 for adults, $20 for kids under 17. The buses can carry bikes, so combining the bike with transit is the best way to get to Hood River and other places around the Gorge: bus part of the way, ride the rest. Details and where to buy: gorgetransit.com/fares

We also got some nice large pannier bags for the bikes — about the size of a grocery bag on each side, and totally waterproof. Perfect for groceries, work gear, or bike-and-bus trips. If you'd like a set for your bike, email info@gorgerides.org, call (971) 754-4392, or just ask at any hub.

Thinking about an e-bike of your own? The WE-Bike program offers people living in Washington a rebate to help lower the cost of buying an eligible e-bike. People age 16 and older can apply, with rebates of $300 or $1,200 depending on household income. Applications are open now, and selected applicants will be asked to provide documents to confirm eligibility. Learn more and apply: ebikerebate.wsdot-sites.com

Full details, including the WE-Bike program overview: gorgerides.org/news/take-your-bike-farther