2025 in Review—Hayward Rides setting new standard for City support of cycling

The City of Hayward gave away more than 200 bikes in the fall of 2025, kicking an initiative to expand access to cycling for high school student and lower income community members through of the largest municipal programs of its kinds in America.

The initiative, called Hayward Rides, is a partnership between the City of Hayward, Eden Youth and Family Center and Bike East Bay and is funded by California Air Resources Board (CARB) Clean Mobility in Schools and Sustainable Transportation Equity Project grants.

The goal is to giveaway approximately 2,000 free bikes in batches through the end of 2026, primarily urban and entry-level mountain bikes, as well as some e-bikes for adults. All recipients will receive a helmet, front and rear lights, a bike lock, kickstand and tire-repair kit and have access to bike education classes and other resources.

To inspire the next generation of riders to adopt this affordable, sustainable and active mode of transport, Hayward Ride is focused on high school students and aims to allocate 75 percent of the bikes to these Hayward young people.

The first two Hayward Rides bike giveaways to pre-selected recipients took place at Hayward Public Library's Trunk or Treat festival Saturday, Oct. 25, and Eden Youth and Family Center's holiday toy giveaway Saturday, Dec. 13. For more information, go online here on the City of Hayward website. To apply for a free bike, contact the Hayward Rides team at [email protected] or Eden Youth and Family Center at [email protected].