SANTA CRUZ >> Local residents, tired of sitting in traffic and looking for a clean and efficient alternative mode of transportation, may be in luck.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission has opened the application period for the first round of its GO BIKE! bicycle incentive program that seeks to bring pricey two-wheelers within financial reach for those who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

The program, which began accepting applications June 13, provides eligible applicants with vouchers ranging from $300 to $1,200 and includes assistance for both traditional and electric bicycles. Interested community members can apply for $300 vouchers for manual bicycles, $800 for standard e-bikes and $1,200 for a cargo or adaptive e-bike.

The voucher system also features a subsidized annual membership to local bicycle share program BCycle that is worth $245.

Those who are interested in the program can learn more and apply at gosantacruzcounty.org/go-bike.

“E-Bikes, along with traditional bikes, are becoming increasingly popular, due to their environmental benefits and cost savings compared to cars,” said the commission’s Executive Director Sarah Christensen in a release. “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.”

Using $500,000 in funding provided by the Monterey Bay Air Resource District and the transportation commission, GO BIKE! combines financial incentives and bicycle education to encourage bicycle-powered commutes over trips to the office via cars. The program serves low-income people who live or work in Santa Cruz County and are 18 years or older, according to a release from the commission.

In addition to local individuals, community-serving organizations — such as shelters and job-placement programs — may be eligible for vouchers as they work to create e-bike lending fleets of their own. These groups were advised to contact the transportation commission directly to confirm their eligibility.There is also a training component. To receive the voucher, applicants must also complete a bicycle safety training facilitated online by local nonprofit Ecology Action to ensure riders know the rules of the road before putting their emission-free vehicles to use.

The new countywide GO BIKE! program aims to build on the success of a nearly identical rebate initiative that applied only to employees working in downtown Santa Cruz and was also spearheaded by the transportation commission. That program, which begins its next cycle in July, included a $400 base rebate and an $800 income-qualified rebate as part of an effort to encourage bicycle travel.

Since the Santa Cruz-focused program launched in June 2023, $115,200 of rebates have been dispensed, supporting $550,617 in e-bike sales at bicycle 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, according to the commission.