New benefit incentivizes downtown employees to use an e-bike for their daily commute

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The City of Santa Cruz is excited to announce that anyone who works downtown in the City of Santa Cruz enrolled in the GO Santa Cruz program will have the opportunity to apply for an e-bike rebate starting Tuesday, Oct. 26.

This new GO Santa Cruz benefit is the latest investment in a robust program designed to reduce barriers to biking and encourage more downtown workers to use bikes for transportation. The number of rebates available is limited, and two amounts are available — a $200 rebate for anyone and a $400 rebate for low-income individuals. 

Launched in 2019, GO Santa Cruz supports and rewards local commuters for choosing alternative transportation methods such as riding a bike, taking the bus or walking to work.

“We are excited to launch this pilot program focused on giving downtown employees an affordable, earth-friendly option to get to work,” said City of Santa Cruz Transportation Planner Claire Gallogly. “Purchasing a quality bike can be an expensive roadblock to committing to an alternative commute. The e-bike pilot program was designed to help more people purchase bikes to not only use for their work commute, but also enjoy in our beautiful town.” 

To apply, employees need to fill out an application, watch a bike safety training video, and complete a training quiz and survey. Once approved, the applicant receives a voucher that must be redeemed within 45 days. Bike shops from all over Santa Cruz County are partnering with GO Santa Cruz to provide their expertise, inventory and exclusive offers to rebate recipients.

To get started, visit the GO Santa Cruz e-bike rebate website. The pilot will run for 12 months or until all rebates are redeemed. The e-bike rebate pilot program is funded by the City of Santa Cruz, Riverstyx Foundation, People for Bikes, Kaiser Permanente and individuals with a passion for biking.

GO Santa Cruz is part of the City’s ongoing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and play an active role in addressing climate change. The program features an online commute management tool to log alternative miles. Downtown employees can register by visiting https://my.cruz511.org/s/gosantacruz. In April 2021, GO Santa Cruz expanded to serve commuters countywide. Learn more at GoSantaCruzCounty.org.