Hayward Rides successfully launches bike giveaway program

On Saturday, Oct. 25, the City of Hayward distributed more than 100 bikes to pre-selected recipients at the Hayward Public Library's Trunk or Treat event, officially launching the Hayward Rides free bike giveaway program.

These 100-plus bikes are the first of approximately 2,000 free bikes Hayward Rides will give away to Hayward residents through the end of 2026, making Hayward Rides one of the largest municipal bike programs of its kind in America. The program's goal is to provide City residents, especially high school students and lower income community members, with greater access to cycling: an affordable, sustainable and active mode of transport.

At the giveaway, area nonprofits Eden Youth and Family Center and Bike East Bay, both partners in the initiative, helped distribute the bikes. City staff were also on hand to provide information to community members on how to participate and helped more than 400 people apply for free bikes.

Approved Hayward Rides applicants will receive an urban or entry-level mountain bike (some adults may receive an e-bike), a helmet, front and rear lights, a bike lock, kickstand and tire-repair kit. Recipients will also be connected with bike education courses offered by Bike East Bay to promote safe and fun cycling. These classes are posted on the Bike East Bay Calendar of Events here.

This program is made possible by the California Air Resource Board's (CARB) Clean Mobility in Schools and Sustainable Transportation Equity Project grants, which the City's Transportation and Environmental Services divisions currently manage. This funding also supports the Safe Routes to School Implementation for 12 Hayward schools.

Hayward residents with questions about the program and/or who are interested in applying for a free bike may contact the Hayward Rides team by email at [email protected]. More information is also available on the Hayward Rides program page on the City of Hayward website here.