A group of CycleMAYnia participants ride their bikes along the street. (Courtesy photo)
The theme of this year’s CycleMAYnia is Spring is here. Bikes are in bloom. (Courtesy photo)

The arrival of spring means it’s time to celebrate the 15th annual CycleMAYnia in Santa Barbara County. Throughout May, which is National Bike Month, community members are invited to join some 40 events and local businesses participating in a countywide CycleMAYnia Bike Challenge.

The 2024 CycleMAYnia theme is Spring is here. Bikes are in bloom.

“We’re excited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of CycleMAYnia,” said Aaron Bonfilio, director of multimodal programs at SBCAG. “This event marks National Bike Month and inspires the community to come together and explore alternative modes of transportation.”

CycleMAYnia participants have a chance to win a RadWagon 5 electric cargo bike. By joining any event or bicycling to any participating local business, attendees can collect special flower and herb seed packets. The packets include instructions on how to enter the RadWagon giveaway.

“This engaging initiative not only promotes more sustainable modes of transportation but also connects the community with local businesses, all while providing a chance to win an exciting prize,” Bonfilio said.

This year’s CycleMAYnia calendar features traditional events like the Chicano Culture de Santa Barbara Cinco de Mayo Mural Ride, Mayors’ Ride, Trail Mixride in Santa Maria, and Bike-to-Work Day events, including one hosted for the first time by SBCC.

New for 2024 are the Bike 2 Bird nature ride in Goleta, Bike to Ice Cream in Santa Maria, and Bike to the Park in Solvang.

Community members can also ride to any of the 24 CycleMAYnia-supporting local businesses from Santa Maria and New Cuyama to Santa Barbara and Carpinteria to participate. Find the locations on an interactive map at CycleMAYnia.org/events/bikechallenge.

CycleMAYnia riders who log their bike trips on Smartride.org in May are eligible for a $200 giveaway from Jersey Mike’s Subs.

“CycleMAYnia 2024 has something for everyone, whether you ride to the local bike repair spot in Lompoc or pedal along with a family ride on Carpinteria’s newest bike path,” said Peter Williamson, SBCAG program coordinator.

“We are especially proud to partner with Cycling Without Age providing piloted trishaw rides to members for those unable to bike,” he said.

To support accessibility, Cycling Without Age provides piloted trishaws at no cost for individuals with limited mobility who want to participate in a CycleMAYnia event.

The specially designed trishaws can accommodate two individuals on one bench seat or one person in a wheelchair, making bicycling accessible to all.

Call 805-845-9855, ext. 3, to reserve a spot for any CycleMAYnia event at least seven days in advance.

CycleMAYnia is a collaborative effort between public and private entities, leveraging community resources and South Coast Measure A Bicycle and Pedestrian funds to foster and support community-driven activities.

CycleMAYnia 2024 partners include: Rad Power Bikes; MOVE Santa Barbara County; Cottage Health; BCycle; Cycling Without Age; Chicano Culture de Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara County; and the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria and Santa Maria.

For more on the Bike Challenge and a calendar of bike month activities, visit CycleMAYnia.org.