Applications Open for County-Wide Bike Purchase Incentive Program

GO Santa Cruz County, an RTC program that encourages commuters to seek alternative transportation, has opened applications for its GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program. GO BIKE! aims to encourage people to switch from driving to biking by providing equitable and affordable access to clean transportation options.

GO BIKE! provides eligible applicants with vouchers ranging from $300 – $1,200. Incentives include $300 for a traditional (non-electric) bike, $800 for a standard e-bike, $1,200 for a cargo or adaptive e-bike and a subsidized annual BCycle membership ($245 value). Vouchers are redeemed at the time of sale and purchase price will be reduced by the amount of the voucher. Learn more and apply at: gosantacruzcounty.org/go-bike.

Funded by the Monterey Bay Air Resource District and the RTC the $500,000 GO BIKE! incentive is a collaborative effort between local government agencies, community-based organizations and local businesses. The program combines financial incentives and bike education to encourage people to commute by bike. The program serves low-income people who live or work in Santa Cruz County and are 18 years or older. In addition, community-serving organizations (such as shelters and job placement programs) may be eligible to apply for vouchers to create their own e-bike lending fleets. Organizations are encouraged to contact the RTC directly to determine if they are eligible.

“E-Bikes, along with traditional bikes, are becoming increasingly popular, due to their environmental benefits and cost savings compared to cars,” said Sarah Christensen, RTC Executive Director. “However, the upfront cost of a bike can be a barrier for many people. GO BIKE! aims to reduce the burden by providing substantial incentives that are intended to enable applicants to choose the best bike for their lifestyle and finances.”

To receive the voucher, applicants must complete a bicycle safety training facilitated online by local nonprofit Ecology Action. The safety training addresses the need for e-bike users to know the rules of the road and feel confident riding around town.

GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program follows the highly successful e-bike rebate pilot for Downtown Santa Cruz employees, with the next cycle beginning July 2025. The rebate, which included a $400 base rebate and an $800 income-qualified rebate, aimed to reduce barriers to biking and encourage more people to commute on bikes. Since the program launched in June 2023, $115,200 of rebates have been dispensed, supporting $550,617 in e-bike sales at bike shops in Santa Cruz County. Of the 217 people who purchased e-bikes, they have reported that they have replaced 93% of their car trips with biking.

ABOUT GO SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Launched in April 2021, GO Santa Cruz County is a program of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission that rewards commuters for choosing sustainable transportation options, such as walking, biking, carpooling and taking the bus. GO Santa Cruz County is available to those who live and work in Santa Cruz County. For every trip logged, users earn points that can be redeemed for rewards, such as gift cards to local businesses, transportation passes and more. Learn more at gosantacruzcounty.org.