The city of Hayward gave out more than 200 bikes this year and hopes to reach 2,000 bikes given away by the end of 2026, the city said.
Hayward Rides is a partnership between the city, Bike East Bay, and the Eden Youth and Family Center and gets its funding through a grant from the California Air Resources Board, city officials said.
Most of the bikes are entry-level and urban mountain bikes, with about 75% set aside for high schoolers and the rest for lower income residents, but there are also some e-bikes for adults, the city said. In addition to the bike, participants get a helmet, front and rear lights, a lock, a repair kit and access to classes. The first batch of bikes went out near Halloween and the second batch were distributed on Dec. 13 at the Eden Youth and Family Center’s holiday toy giveaway.
To apply for a free bike, email Hayward Rides or Eden Youth and Family Center.