Our Events
Explore upcoming Ecology Action and partner events to learn more about sustainable initiatives in California.
Biking is on the rise locally and around the world, with increasing numbers of people rediscovering cycling as exercise, recreation, and a great way to get from point A to B. This virtual workshop is a perfect entry for people starting to explore cycling during the pandemic, or as a refresher for cyclists who want to hone their riding skills and level-up their commute.
Experts from Ecology Action and R.E.I will share tips and tricks for riding your bike in an urban setting.
This interactive workshop will cover:
- Pre-ride preparation
- Bike sizing and fit
- How to ride safely and confidently in many traffic scenarios
- Route planning
- Riding at night
- eBike benefits
- COVID-related cycling safety
Are you curious about making your transportation trips easier?
Want to learn more about how eBikes can help conquer your commute, saving you both time and money?
Maybe you’ve thought about biking to work, but you’re concerned about hills, distance, or the extra time it will take you.
Perhaps you’d love to ride, but you are a busy parent with kids to transport and errands to run.
Ecology Action staff will provide an overview introduction of eBikes. Topics will include frequently asked questions, different eBike technologies, cost, environmental benefits and investigate if eBikes can really replace cars.
For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit cityofsantacruz.com/gosantacruz or facebook.com/GOSantaCruzCA.
This virtual workshop is offered as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips.
FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS FOR ALL DOWNTOWN ATTENDEES*
*must be an employee of a business in the Downtown Santa Cruz Parking District and enrolled in Go SC on my.cruz511.org/s/gosantacruz
MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
Every Friday May 21 to October 29
5:00 to 8:30ish
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
- June 11th: (Opening Act starting at 5:00) Shoreline Middle School Jazz Band – (Main Act) The Stone Drifters
- June 18th: Dub Souljah (Reggae)
- June 25th: Ancestree (Reggae)
NEW Free Bike Commuting 101 Workshop
Wednesday, June 16th
Noon – 1pm via Zoom
Free helmets and lights for attendees*
Are you ready to take your commute to the next level? Learn from the experts about bike commuting essentials including hauling gear, what to look for in a solid commuting bike, riding while “business casual,” rush hour rules of the road, and more. Join Ecology Action and GO Santa Cruz for this NEW workshop!
As Santa Cruz County expands its network of protected bike lanes and paths, now is the perfect time to explore commuting by bike. For those commuting and those starting to transition from WFH, this is a great time to explore commuting via bike. With the right preparation, adding biking to your commute options can be a breeze. Staff from Ecology Action will share the need-to-knows of bike commuting, trouble-shoot your commute and after-work errands, and help cyclists of all levels plan for a safe and satisfying ride.
The workshop is interactive and will cover:
- The benefits of a commute by bike
- What to look for in a commuting bike
- Hauling gear and managing your exertion
- How to ride safely and confidently during rush hour
- Expert trip planning and low-traffic routes to downtown
- Testimonials and tips from local bike commuters
- How to pick the right lights
- eBikes and your commute
FREE BIKE LIGHTS AND HELMETS FOR ALL DOWNTOWN ATTENDEES*
For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit cityofsantacruz.com/gosantacruz.
This free workshop is offered to all downtown Santa Cruz employees as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips.
*must be an employee of a business in the Downtown Santa Cruz Parking District and enrolled in Go SC on https://my.cruz511.org/s/gosantacruz
Just in time for Summer, the Food Truck Summer Series is back for the third great season!
Join us at the West Cliff Surfer’s parking lot and Lighthouse Field parking lot to enjoy a fabulous view, great food, and lots of social distancing! It’s a great chance to get outside and enjoy one of the best views in Santa Cruz!
MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
Every Friday May 21 to October 29
5:00 to 8:30ish
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
- June 11th: (Opening Act starting at 5:00) Shoreline Middle School Jazz Band – (Main Act) The Stone Drifters
- June 18th: Dub Souljah (Reggae)
- June 25th: Ancestree (Reggae)
MIDTOWN FRIDAYS! SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
Every Friday May 21 to October 29
5:00 to 8:30ish
Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors
- June 11th: (Opening Act starting at 5:00) Shoreline Middle School Jazz Band – (Main Act) The Stone Drifters
- June 18th: Dub Souljah (Reggae)
- June 25th: Ancestree (Reggae)
This Biketober we have events lined up full of freebies, fun, and Santa Cruz community connection to keep you riding. Plus we’re putting $1k in your pocket!
Date: October 3, 2021
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Salinas Amtrak Station
11 Station Place, Salinas, CA 93906
In honor of National Drive Electric Week Ecology Action will be hosting a Ride and Drive event in Salinas, CA. Attendees will be able to test drive the latest electric vehicles, up to 10 different makes and models. In addition, peruse a variety of EVs and electric motorcycles on display, talk to EV owners, learn about solar power, test ride electric bicycles, engage with local businesses, community organizations, and non-profits making a difference in our community.
Free Urban Cycling Virtual Workshop
Tuesday, December 14th
Noon – 1pm via Zoom
Free helmets and lights for attendees*
Biking is on the rise locally and around the world and more people are discovering cycling for exercise, recreation, AND a great way to get from point A to B.
This virtual workshop is designed to cover the basics of urban cycling and bike safety to make sure you are confident and in the know.
The workshop is interactive and will cover:
- Pre-ride preparation
- Bike sizing and fit
- How to ride safely and confidently in many traffic scenarios
- Winter and wet weather riding
- Route planning
- Riding at night
- E-Bike benefits
- GO Santa Cruz benefits and support for cyclists
The workshop is presented by Ecology Action’s League of American Bicyclists-certified cycling instructors and will include time for participant’s questions.
Past participants have said this about our Urban Cycling Workshops:
- “This was very helpful in building my confidence in biking and created a safe space for me to ask questions!”
- “Super personable and encouraging. I really enjoyed the workshop.”
*Free Bell helmets and Blackburn bike lights (a $90 value) for all attendees employed by downtown Santa Cruz businesses.
For more information on the GO Santa Cruz program and available benefits, visit cityofsantacruz.com/gosantacruz
This workshop is offered to all downtown Santa Cruz employees as part of GO Santa Cruz, a transportation program that provides downtown employees with commute alternatives to single-occupant car trips.
More Ways to Take Action
Less Emissions is our mission – and with a little help from our friends we know we can get there.
What We’re Thinking About
Our brainpower is always turned on, generating new ways to guarantee a greener future. Take a look at a few of our big ideas.