Cyclist goes electric across the country

Cathy Rodgers, 57, became the first person to cross the country on an electric bicycle on Saturday, riding from Washington state to Washington, D.C. on a cruiser-style bike made by Irvine-based Pedego.

“I’m a casual cyclist, and I am very proud to be the first person to ride across the USA on an electric bike,” Rogers said in a statement. “I’ve had such an amazing experience while achieving this bucket-list goal together with my husband.”

Rodgers made the 3,300-mile, 48-day trek as part of “the Big Ride,” an American Lung Assn. fundraiser, according to a news release. The ride has raised about $50,000 in donations so far this year.

Her husband, Paul, is a more avid cyclist, according to the release, and the electric bike helped Rodgers keep pace.

—Jill Cowan