LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The City of La Mesa launched a first-of-its-kind e-bike incentive program that is designed to get people moving while reducing pollution and traffic. “We’re going to be rolling it out starting [Wednesday] the applications go out...The San Diego Community Power is providing the funding and Stay True Cycle Shop is the bike shop that we’re partnering with,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. Parking rates to increase in some areas near San Diego Bay waterfront The program is offering vouchers to applicants who are 18 or older and work or live in La Mesa. The vouchers will be given out through a scoring and random selection process that gives priority to the first 150 applicants. Those who plan to use their e-bike more often to commute within La Mesa will receive a higher score. “There will be two tiers, there will be up to 1200 dollars for people that can demonstrate a financial hardship and then 800 for general applicants,” Arapostathis said. Mayor Arapostathis said he’s seen e-bikes that range in price from $600 to thousands of dollars and believes this voucher will cover the cost of an e-bike where they are accepting the vouchers at stay true cycle shop. “I think it’s great actually I mean obviously e-bikes have kind of taken off and they’re not cheap so the fact that the city’s providing this incentive program to help offset those costs I think that’s really awesome,” said biker Jeff Waters. Applicants who are approved will have to complete an e-bike safety class virtually before they get their voucher. All westbound lanes of SR-52 to close this weekend The city has made bike-friendly accommodations and encourages residents to take advantage of the new infrastructure. “We’ve made many capital improvements sidewalks, crosswalks, bike routes and bike lanes to encourage people to use different modes of transportation,” added Arapostathis. Never ridden an e-bike before? The San Diego County bicycle coalition is providing free bike safety and education events throughout the year. You can sign up on their website for the first session taking place at the end of this month. Applications for the e-bike incentive program open Wednesday, March 26 at noon and close on April 14. ...read more read less