Santa Cruz, CA – GO Santa Cruz County, a program of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) that promotes alternative transportation options, announced today that applications for its GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program will open on June 13. The program is designed to encourage people to switch from driving to biking by offering equitable and affordable access to clean transportation options.
GO BIKE! offers eligible applicants vouchers ranging from $300 to $1,200, including:
$300 for a traditional (non-electric) bike
$800 for a standard e-bike
$1,200 for a cargo or adaptive e-bike
A subsidized annual BCycle membership (a $245 value)
Vouchers are applied at the time of sale, reducing the purchase price immediately. To learn more or apply, visit: gosantacruzcounty.org/go-bike
Funded by the Monterey Bay Air Resource District and the RTC, this $500,000 program is a collaborative effort between local government agencies, community-based organizations, and local businesses. It combines financial incentives with bike education to help more people commute by bike. The program is available to low-income individuals age 18 or older who live or work in Santa Cruz County.
Additionally, community-serving organizations (such as shelters or job placement programs) may be eligible for vouchers to create their own e-bike lending fleets. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the RTC to determine eligibility.
“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 can be a barrier. GO BIKE! aims to reduce that burden and help people choose the best bike for their needs.”
Applicants must complete an online bicycle safety training facilitated by local nonprofit Ecology Action. This training ensures new riders—especially e-bike users—understand the rules of the road and feel confident riding in their communities.
The GO BIKE! program builds on the success of the e-bike rebate pilot for Downtown Santa Cruz employees, which resumes in July 2025. That rebate offered a $400 base amount and an $800 income-qualified rebate. Since launching in June 2023, the program has provided $115,200 in rebates, generating $550,617 in e-bike sales at local bike shops. Among the 217 e-bike recipients, 93% reported replacing car trips with bike rides.
About GO Santa Cruz County
Launched in April 2021, GO Santa Cruz County is a program of the Santa Cruz County RTC that rewards commuters for using sustainable transportation methods like walking, biking, carpooling, and public transit. Participants earn points for every trip logged, which can be redeemed for rewards such as gift cards, transportation passes, and more. Learn more at gosantacruzcounty.org.
