PPG recently announced it provides Lyft, one of the largest transportation networks in the United States and Canada, with retroreflective powder coating for its e-bikes.
The e-bikes will be used in Lyft’s DIVVY bike-share program to increase cyclist visibility. The program is the first use of retroreflective e-bikes in the United States.
Lyft’s pilot program launched in the Bay Area of California in June 2021, in New York City earlier this year, and will launch in Chicago in December.
PPG uses an Abel Gray finish. The paint color honors Lyft engineer Abel Lopez who was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in October 2020.
“Until his untimely passing, Abel was a valued member of the Lyft family and was very passionate about our efforts to implement retroreflective technology into our e-bikes,” Edgar Japitana, Lyft Supplier Industrialization Engineering senior group manager, said. “Improving cyclist safety is paramount, and we are so proud to memorialize Abel through our partnership with PPG and its Abel Gray coating named in his honor.”
The PPG ENVIROCRON LUM coating was inspired by the reflective properties of deer’s eyes and uses a formulation with embedded glass beads that refracts light and retro-reflects it back to enhance visibility.