WATSONVILLE >> Whether young or old, there are few activities like riding a bike. That is especially true in Santa Cruz County, which has an abundance of trails of varying levels, which means it is quite common to see people riding bikes just about everywhere.

Bike Santa Cruz County is one such local organization aimed at encouraging the activity of biking and the infrastructure to support it, expanding its efforts into South County with community bike rides. The first of two such rides in the near future is scheduled for Sunday, where attendees will be able to feel the thrill of cycling while also mingling with community members and local elected officials.

Jon Silver, vice chair of the Bike Santa Cruz County Board of Directors, said the community bike rides are part of the organization’s efforts to promote the benefits of cycling and increasing infrastructure and road safety.

“We have a number of projects going, and this is part of the work to expand into South County and be more representative in Watsonville,” he said.

Riders will be joined by Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco and Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez for a ride around the city that includes parks and trails. Other community partners like the Community Bike Collective of Santa Cruz County, Watsonville Cyclery, Santa Cruz Community Traffic Safety Commission and Cabrillo Bike Co-Op will also be taking part.

Silver said the events will emphasize bike safety.

“There will be a brief talk about safe riding techniques,” he said. “We’ll talk a little bit about the benefits of cycling.”

To further ensure safety, there will be giveaways of crucial items like lights and helmets. The Community Bike Collective will also be donating two bikes — one geared toward adults and another sized for youth — and each rider will receive a raffle ticket where people can win these bikes.

“We’re pretty excited about being able to get a couple more bikes on the road,” said Silver.

Cyclists will also not have to worry about riding on empty stomachs, as free burritos from a local taqueria will be provided in addition to free refreshments.Silver said there are many benefits to biking, which will be promoted at Sunday’s bike ride. The first being improvements to physical and mental health.

“It improves your cardiovascular capacity, it improves your strength overall and it’s also a low-impact sport or exercise,” he said. “When you exercise, it releases endorphins. It’s good for reducing stress and tension, so we really believe that it’s good for your social-emotional well-being and mental health.”

Environmental impacts were another benefit Silver highlighted.

“It helps us combat climate change by just getting people out on their bicycles more and their cars less, therefore contributing to reducing carbon emissions in the air,” he said.

Lastly, Silver said riding bikes builds community, and events like the community bike ride help foster that.

“When people go out in groups and ride together, they explore the local environment and community, and they also talk and interact with diverse people of different generations and ages and backgrounds,” he said. “We also believe that, in terms of fostering community connections, cycling is also a great activity.”

The first bike ride begins at 11 a.m. Sunday at the East Lake Village Shopping Center, 936 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. People are encouraged to bring their own bikes, but a limited number of bikes will be available on a first come, first-served basis.

For those unable to make it to Sunday’s ride, a second event is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 25 at the same meeting spot. Both events are free. For information, go to Bikesantacruzcounty.org.