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BCycle E-Bike Share

BCycle e-bike sharing provides Santa Cruz County residents and visitors with a convenient, fun, and affordable way to get around the County.

Membership Discount

As part of TAPS’ Slug Bike Life program, UCSC affiliates are eligible for a significantly discounted annual BCycle membership that gives you access to unlimited 60 minute trips on BCycle e-bikes for a full year from sign up. 

Undergrad & Grad Students: $32.75 after tax (87% off regular price)*

Staff & Faculty: $76.48 after tax (69% off regular price)*

Full-price annual membership: $225 ($245.81 after tax)†

†Bcycle's regional prices will increase this fall. 

Eligibility

  • You must use a valid UCSC email address to register.
  • You must be actively taking classes** or employed by UCSC (must appear in UCPath or student billing portal/AIS).
  • You agree to use the membership at least SIX (6) times per month. Memberships that do not meet this requirement are subject to cancellation.
  • You agree to take the e-bike share safety pledge.
  • You must complete the E-bike Safety Course that is part of this application and pass the quiz at the end with a score of 10 or higher.

*Bike share memberships are an annual fee that is due prior to receiving the membership. Memberships are for one year from your first ride after activation in the BCycle app. Fees will not be prorated for shorter periods of time. Bike share memberships are not eligible for payroll deduction. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Participation in this discounted membership may affect your financial aid offer. 

**Those who are not enrolled in classes over the summer may be required to provide additional verification in order to receive the student rate.

Button with a link to the BCycle application

BCycle Membership for Financial Hardship

Students experiencing extreme financial hardship may apply for a fully-subsidized BCycle membership at no cost. All standard eligibility requirements apply. Financial eligibility will be determined by the Financial Aid Office. Please fill out the application to determine your eligibility. 

button_bcycle-financial-hardship-application.png

 

Activating your BCycle Membership:

  1. Download and open the BCycle app.
  2. Make sure the region is Santa Cruz.
  3. Select “Get a Pass.”
  4. Select “UCSC Student and Employee Pass.”
  5. If you do not already have an account, you will be prompted to set one up. If you do have one, tap at the bottom of the screen to sign in. You must use your UCSC email address to register or the promo code will not work.
  6. After creating your account or signing in, select “tap to enter Promo Code.”
  7. Enter the promo code you received in your email and select “Apply” to receive the discounted price.
  8. Select “buy with Credit Card” or “Buy with Apple/Google Pay.” 
  9. After payment is completed, your one-year membership begins at the time of your first ride. 
  10. Enjoy riding around Campus with ease using your new BCycle Membership!

Bike Share FAQ's

Q: Are my bike share fees (annual, monthly, and/or walk-up) eligible as a pre-tax commuter transportation benefit?
A: Bike share fees are not eligible for payroll deduction through UCPath, therefore they are not eligible for pre-tax commuter transportation benefits.

Q: If I don’t use my membership or I want to return it, will TAPS refund my membership fee?
A: Bike share memberships are an annual fee that is due prior to receiving the membership. Fees will not be prorated for shorter periods of time. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Q: Why aren’t bike share memberships free?
A; Bike share memberships are subsidized by TAPS and UCSC. The fees help ensure that memberships are provided to those who are most likely to use bike share.

Q: Why did BCycle membership fees go up this year?
A: In order to continuing to provide service in Santa Cruz County, BCycle made the decision to raise prices regionally. UCSC is still subsidizing memberships at a significant discount, but with the higher prices, we were not able to continue offering a $12 membership for students. 

Q: Are helmets required while using bike share?
A: In the State of California, helmets are not required for those over the age of 18 years old. Helmets are strongly encouraged while using bike share. Visit slugbikelife.org to sign for a free helmet giveaway event.

Q: Who should I contact if I see a bike left outside of a dock?
A: Contact BCycle by calling (831) 278-3132 or emailing santacruz@bcycle.com.


Do you have more questions? Check out the Santa Cruz BCycle page for more information.

Locations of BCycle Docks