Milwaukee businessmen form national ebike association

May 17. 2012

Milwaukee businessmen form national electric bike association

Craig Peterson, founder of Buffalo Water Beer Company and chief executive officer of Zigman Joseph Stephenson, Inc., in partnership with Brian Nelson, owner of B.D. Nelson Construction Company have formed the United States e-Bikes Association to promote and educate the public on the benefits of powered assisted bicycles.

“Forty years ago, people communicaed using manual typewriters, then along came the IBM Selectric, then computers, now we communicate using iPhones,” said Nelson, co-founder of the organization. “Technology in bicycle transportation has evolved just as quickly, allowing everyday people, who are not necessarily in great physical condition, to commute to work, school or shopping with a power-assisted bike. Saving energy, getting physically fit, and reducing their carbon footprint.”

The association will also advocate for the addition of public charging stations at coffee shops, shopping centers and office buildings throughout the country.

“In other cultures e-bikes are common,” said Peterson. “In China, fifty-percent of all bikes sold are electric, in Holland 1 in 4, in Germany 1 in 8, and 1 in 10 in Switzerland. E-bikes extend a rider’s range, reduce fatigue and are fun. Some purists may think only human power should propel a bicycle. But a bicycle is transportation, real simple. It gets everyday people from point A to B. A bicycle is an upgrade from walking. An e-bike is a step-up from a manual bike, and it allows the rider to get to work not dripping with sweat and in an efficient and economic manner.”

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Lock said:

http://www.biztimes.com/article/20120517/ENEWSLETTERS07/120519780

May 17. 2012

Milwaukee businessmen form national electric bike association

Craig Peterson, founder of Buffalo Water Beer Company ...

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Brian Nelson, who lives in Mequon and owns BD Nelson Construction Co., says the association will be a public relations arm for the e-bike industry, hopefully attracting corporate sponsors along the way.

There's also a local spin that could be taken nationwide.

"Our first mission will be to reach out to coffee shops, shopping centers and business offices to provide charging stations for e-bike commuters," Nelson said.

He is working with fellow e-biker Craig Peterson, the founder of Buffalo Water Beer Co. and CEO of Zigman Joseph Stephenson Inc., Wisconsin's oldest public relations firm.

Through his public relations firm, Peterson has experience in managing associations and attracting corporate sponsors.

The association will use social media and a website, yet to be developed, to promote e-bikes.

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LockH said:

^^ Used to be, plenty of outdoor 120V AV electric power outlets scattered around urban areas... In addition to a pocket-sized charger, used to carry too one "Receptacle Tester" to check "foreign territory":
:wink:

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