Events

CycleMAYnia Inspires the Public to Get Out and Ride

May 5, 2022

Countywide electric bicycle giveaway introduced at the 13th annual national bike month celebration along with 15 in-person events in the south coast aimed to increase enthusiasm for bicycling among kids, families, adults, and employers.

Santa Barbara, Calif. – CycleMAYnia 2022 is underway and Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to participate in events and contests for the 13th annual national bike month celebration. New this year is an EZBike Challenge electric bicycle giveaway which is being introduced along with 15 bicycle rides and activities. The public is encouraged to check out the event calendar and details on how to participate in the new EZBike Challenge this month online at CycleMAYnia.org.

The EZBike Challenge asks residents to ride any bike for eight days in May to qualify for a prize drawing of one of three electric bicycles along with weekly prizes drawn every Monday.

“Save money on gas this month and let’s get out and ride,” said Lori La Riva, interim director of SBCAG’s Traffic Solutions division. “If you are 18 years and older, we are asking you to rise to our EZBike Challenge by hopping on any bike for eight days in May⁠— to work, the market, a restaurant… any trip you take by biking instead of driving. Log your trips on SmartRide.org to be entered to win one of three electric bicycles and other weekly prizes.”

The EZBike Challenge giveaway aims to encourage more bike trips during national bike month by making use of the popularity of electric bicycles over the last few years. Electric bicycles give riders an extra boost for longer-distance commutes, save money, and improves a rider’s overall health and quality of life.

The three electric bicycles in the giveaway are an Electra Townie Go! 7D, the classic look and comfort of a cruiser with the added fun and power of an e-bike; an iZip Sumo Fat Tire E-Bike, ready for adventure, whether plowing through snow or cruising on the beach; and a Story Bike Electric Commuter, stylish and sleek, this lightweight e-bike will get you all over town and back, faster than traffic.

Employers, adults, families, and kids can also join in on the joy of biking through a variety of events and activities including electric bicycle showcases and demos, education on safe riding and bike maintenance, nature rides, a Chicano culture and history ride, and Mayor’s ride.

“CycleMAYnia 2022 has something for everyone, whether you are new to cycling, a parent, a bike enthusiast, or curious about electric bikes,” said SBCAG’s Executive Director Marjie Kirn. “I hope the public takes an opportunity to check out the variety of fun activities planned for, and by, the community to celebrate the joy of bicycling that brings us together for a healthier and more positive community.”

Founded in 2009, CycleMAYnia is a public/private collaboration using community resources and South Coast Measure A Bicycle and Pedestrian funds to organize activities for the community. CycleMAYnia 2022 partners include: Cycling Without Age, SBBIKE+COAST, Community Environmental Council, Chicano Culture de Santa Barbara, Wilderness Youth Project, BCycle, Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District, County of Santa Barbara, and the Cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.

For community members who are not able to ride a bike, CycleMAYnia has partnered with Cycling Without Age to offer piloted trishaw rides. The trishaws can fit two community members on one bench seat or a single community member in a wheelchair. The public can call (805) 963-7283 to reserve a spot for a CycleMAYnia ride.

Information on the EZBike Challenge and a calendar of bike month activities is available on the CycleMAYnia website at CycleMAYnia.org.

About Traffic Solutions

Traffic Solutions is a division of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and serves as the countywide rideshare organization with a mission to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by encouraging people to drive less and use sustainable transportation.

History of Cyclemaynia

Founded in 2009, CycleMAYnia began as a community brainstorming meeting aimed at jump starting a vibrant bike culture here in Santa Barbara County. Inspired by events and programs in other towns such as San Luis Obispo and Portland, Oregon, the hope was that by engaging the cycling community directly and bringing them into the fold as collaborators, a dynamic calendar of events could be created and co-managed that celebrates National Bike Month in May. Expanding the reach of cycling to a greater number of riders and connecting to a more diverse demographic brings the joy and benefits of biking to as many people as possible in the greater Santa Barbara area. Since 2010 our Bike Month on the South Coast has been filled with activities organized by local businesses, organizations, and community members with coordination and support from Traffic Solutions.

2022 CycleMAYnia Event Calendary Flyer CycleMAYnia Photo Gallery (previous events)