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Published: September 9, 2024

Santa Cruz County Bike Resources

Everything you need to know get a bike in Santa Cruz county

If you are looking to get a bike in Santa Cruz County, you have come to the right place! Consider Modo your one-stop shop for finding new or used bikes, local bike shops, and resources to tap into the bike community. You bring the stoke, and we’ll point you in the right direction to get geared up.

Finding the Right Bike Size

Before you start shopping for a bike, make sure you know what frame size you need! Adult and children’s bikes are measured differently. For adult bikes, Cyclist Hub uses a calculator to easily discover what frame size you need. And this resource from Rascal Rides outlines how children’s bikes are sized.

Check Out Local Bike Shops

Connect With Community Organizations

We’ll suggest ourselves—Modo! Here at LetsModo.org you can find tips for how to ride safely, where to find low stress routes, information about group events and much more!

  • Go Santa Cruz: Go Santa Cruz offers free bi-monthly bike repair clinics in downtown Santa Cruz and rewards for using sustainable transportation modes.
  • The Bike Church: The Bike Church is a community bicycle shop and tool collective where you learn to repair your own bike with the help of knowledgeable mechanics. They also provide reasonably priced bike repairs and used bikes.
  • The Santa Cruz Teen Center: The Teen Center runs the City of Santa Cruz’s Bicycle Distribution Program. Free bikes are available to youth who reside in the City of Santa Cruz.

Get A Bike For Less With Craigslist, Nextdoor, And Goodwill

Finding used bikes through neighborhood outlets such as Craigslist, NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, or Goodwill is a great place to start! When using an online platform, please always be safety conscious when meeting a buyer. Meeting in a well-lit public place and bringing someone with you are suggested safety protocols. We highly encourage you to take the bike for a test ride before exchanging any money. Additionally, you can check the bike’s serial number against Bike Index to ensure the bike isn’t stolen property. (Pro tip: after you purchase a bike, register it on Bike Index too!)

E-Bike Share and Rebates

  • Santa Cruz BCycle: Check out the local BCycle e-bike share program. Free BCycle passes are available to anyone who works for the City of Santa Cruz or in the Downtown Parking District. Income qualified people who live or work in the County of Santa Cruz will soon be able to access discounted BCycle as well
  • Downtown Santa Cruz GO SC E-bike Rebate: $400 – $800 rebate for workers in the downtown parking district & City of Santa Cruz employees
  • California E-Bike Incentive Project: the state of California will be rolling out an e-bike incentive program for income qualified residents, find out about the program and if you’re eligible here.

Looking for resources in Monterey County? We have you covered here. Drop us a note if we missed any resources or if you’re looking for other information! And most importantly, enjoy life on two wheels!

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