<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/pre-go-live-resources/_migration/_dev-testing/final/westmont-news/santa-barbara-grapples-e-bike-surge.html" dsn="news"><pubDate>11/03/2025</pubDate><title>Santa Barbara Grapples With E‑Bike Surge</title><excerpt>Since six blocks of State Street closed in spring 2020, e‑bike usage has risen steadily, and the resulting increase in accidents has alarmed residents and local politicians. The Westmont Center for Dialogue and Deliberation decided to tackle this thorny issue at a community roundtable event with more than 50 people Oct. 23 at the Community Environmental Center's Environmental Hub downtown.</excerpt><author>Scott Craig</author><image>
            
            <img src="/_migrated-binaries/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_900w/public/WCDD-WideHeader.jpg" alt="A Westmont center took on the hot button issue of e-bikes"/>
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