More than two million people a year travel through Girdwood to access the beautiful hiking trails, campgrounds, scenic views and more, but when something goes wrong in the backcountry, time is critical to reach the injured.
Girdwood Volunteer Firefighter, Steve Bartholomew, is also the ski and bike shop manager at Aleyska Resort. He says the e-bikes will help the fire department better serve Girdwood's adventurous community and tourists who may find themselves needing medical attention.
"Chances are that they're going to be at a trailhead somewhere," said Bartholomew. "We'll probably have the bikes trailered up, ready to be taken out on a utility vehicle, and from there it's turning the bicycle on, the gear will already be on the bike, and it's pedal to the location."
Currently, the Girdwood Fire Department is limited to four responders in two ATV's when trying to reach someone off the beaten path. Everyone else is on foot. Now, they'll be able to reach medical emergencies a little quicker with the help of these e-bikes.