Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition

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Bicycling in Santa Barbara County

photo of cyclists

Some of the finest year-round bicycling in the US is available on and off road within Santa Barbara County. There are active bicycling clubs to help you start, hone your skills, share rides, and competitively race. The following are covered in this and linked pages:

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Regional Bike Clubs

There are at least 16 active bicycle clubs and groups within Santa Barbara County. They all welcome new members and visitors alike. Most clubs have web sites, as shown by the active links in their names. Some club presidents have email, as shown by the email links in their names. Phone numbers are area code 805 unless listed otherwise.

map of Santa Barbara County

Free Bikeway Maps

bike maps covers

  • The 2010 edition of the Santa Barbara County Bike Map is currently available. It's absolutely beautiful and available free from the Traffic Solutions office. For a printed copy of either the English or Spanish versions, email Joann Hart. The map is additionally available online in a number of segments to view and print. The individual files are large, so be patient. Choose from North County maps, or South County maps.
  • The project was underwritten by Traffic Solutions, a division of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. Members of the Bicycle Coalition and bicycle clubs throughout the County helped verify and recommend the large network of bikeways shown. The map also contains bike safety tips, legal information, and useful contacts.
  • Only paved routes are shown on the map. For off-road biking, look at the book list and online sources near the bottom of this page. Or check with a local bike shop.
  • map detail of UCSB
  • Here is a detail of the map showing how to use the Coast Route which passes through the University of California, Santa Barbara campus.
  • Perhaps the nicest enhancement to bicycling is the network of named bike routes on the South Coast. The colored routes on the map reflect the 324 South Coast bikeway route signs that were installed late in 1998.
  • photo of bike sign
  • Pictures and information about creation of the bikeway signage program can be found at this page of the site of signage consultant Jack Biesek. Two elements of the signage program that have yet to be funded are in-street bike logos along the routes, and several "wayfinding" maps of the entire network on permanent pedestals at key South Coast locations.
  • Layout for the map was done by Maps.com. We're delighted with this fine and very popular guide to bicycling.

Bike Shops and Services

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Bicycle Bob's shop in Santa Barbara.

These shops and services sell bicycles, accessories, maintenance and other services. We have added details about offerings if the shops have supplied them. All phone numbers are area code 805. Those shops designated with the green word "DISCOUNT" offer a discount to Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition members. Look here for discount info.

  • Carpinteria
  • Bikesmiths, 5441B Carpinteria Avenue, 684-3150, email jim@bikesmiths.com.
    They provide precise, artistic and durable bike building and repair for any bike: road, mountain, city, comfort and cruisers.
  • EcoBike, 4193 Carpinteria Avenue, Unit #3, 576-7633, email info@ecobike-usa.com.
    These electric-assist bikes come in road, mountain and folding models with aluminum frames, pull-out lithium ion batteries, front suspension, fenders, racks, front and rear LED lights, and bells. Riders can pedal without the battery, or slip it in for travel up to 20 miles.
  • Rincon Cycles, 5100 Carpinteria Avenue, 684-9466
  • Goleta
  • Bicycle Bob's, DISCOUNT, 250 Storke Road #A, 685-6799, email bicyclebobs@aol.com.
    With new bike purchase: 10% discount on parts and accessories, and one year of free tune-ups. Very helpful staff.
  • Isla Vista Bicycles, 880 Embarcadero Del Mar, and 6539 Trigo Road, Isla Vista, 968-3338, email info@ivbikes.com.
    New and used mountain bikes, hybrids, beach cruisers, road bikes. Rentals by the day, week or month. They accept trade ins.
  • Varsity Bike Shop, 6547 Pardall Road, Isla Vista, 968-4914.
  • VeloPro Cyclery, DISCOUNT, 5887 Hollister Avenue, 964-8355, email mail@velopro.com.
    Mountain, road, city, and BMX bikes plus trikes, accessories, and repairs. Bikes by Kona, GT, Raleigh, Gary Fisher, Santa Cruz, Dyno, Redline, Free Agent, and Powerlite.
  • Lompoc
  • Bicycle Connection, DISCOUNT, 223 West Ocean Avenue, 736-4849
    Bicycles for the entire family from adult to kids. We also do repairs on all makes and models. Ask about our 90-day lay-away and tune-up specials.
  • Bicycles Unlimited, 660 North H Street, 736-4064
  • Santa Barbara
  • Bicycle Bob's, DISCOUNT, 15 Hitchcock Way, 682-4699, email bicyclebobs@aol.com.
    With new bike purchase: 10% discount on parts and accessories, and one year of free tune-ups. Very helpful staff.
  • Commuter Bicycles, PO Box 300, Santa Barbara 93102, 569-5381, email eric.14@cox.net
    Commute bikes from Fuji, Incline, Van Dessel, Merida and Xtracycle. Accessories from Planet Bike.
  • Cranky's Bikes, 1014 State Street Santa Barbara, 963-7433.
    Sells and repairs every type of bike, but focuses on fixed gear, BMX, and touring bikes.
  • FasTrack Bicycles, 118 West Canon Perdido Street, 884-0210, email fastrack@sb.net.
    All road bikes. Personal and professional service.
  • Hazard's Cyclesport, DISCOUNT, 110 Anacapa Street, 966-3787, email bruce1@hazardscyclesport.com.
    Oldest bike shop in Santa Barbara (established 1914). Carry bikes by: Specialized, Cannondale, Softride, Electra, Griffen, Calfee. Sponsor of Santa Barbara Triathlon Club, UCSB Mountain Bike Club, UCSB Triathlon Club, Cielo Velo Bicycle Club, Complete line of accessories and expert repairs.
  • Leprakon Bike Service, 284-3254, email leprakonbikeshine@hotmail.com.
    Bike cleaning and polishing service at your home or other location.
  • Open Air Bicycles, 1303 State Street, 962-7000, email ed@openairbicycles.com.
    Their emphsis is on bikes for all family members, for commuting and fun rides, featuring Giant bicycles, the world's largest bike manufacturer.
  • Play It Again Sports, 4850 Hollister Avenue, 967-9889, email zbrasel@hotmail.com.
    Good selection of used bicycles and other sports equipment.
  • Santa Barbara Bike Repair, 895-6112, email info@santabarbarabikerepair.com.
    Mobile bike maintenance and repair will service your bike at your workplace or home.
  • The Bici, 1229 State Street, 845-4336, email cs@the-bici.com.
    European cycle shop with vintage and new bikes and components for touring and road racing. Professional bike repairs.
  • The Bikestand, 1213 State Street #M, 845-4336.
    Classic bike components, urban fixed-gear specialists with bikes built from new but classic parts.
  • VeloPro Cyclery, DISCOUNT, 633 State Street, 963-7775, email info@velopro.com.
    Mountain, road, city, and BMX bikes plus trikes, accessories, and repairs. Bikes by Kona, GT, Raleigh, Gary Fisher, Santa Cruz, Dyno, Redline, Free Agent, and Powerlite.
  • True Flight Cycle Works, 416 Anacapa Street, 845-7385, email info@trueflightcycleworks.com.
    A full-service repair shop. Bikes by Jamis, Fuji and KHS. Fixed-gear specialists. BMX, touring, trekking bikes and accessories.
  • WheelHouse, 528 Anacapa Street, 845-6547.
    A full line of load-carrying, cargo, and commuter bikes by Jamis, Work Cycles, Xtracycle, and Skuut. Bike parking Saturday mornings during the Santa Barbara Farmers Market across the street.
  • Santa Maria / Orcutt
  • Central Coast Cyclery, 1157 East Clark Avenue, #I, Orcutt, 934-2003, email ray@centralcoastcyclery.com.
    Bikes by Free Agent, Raleigh, Diamondback, KHS and Haro.
  • Cycle Star, College Square shopping center, 560 East Betteravia Road #G, Orcutt, 347-1950, email info@cyclestarbikes.com.
    Giant and Cervalo bicycles.
  • Mainstreet Cycles, DISCOUNT, 311 East Main Street, Santa Maria, 922-5577, email info@mainstreetcycles.com.
    Mainstreet Cycles is a pro level shop without the attitude, they have all the essentials for your cycling needs.
  • Play It Again Sports, 2530 South Broadway, Santa Maria, 614-0072, email PIAS11224@aol.com.
    Good selection of used bicycles and other sports equipment.
  • Pedal Power Bicycles, 1740 South Broadway, Santa Maria, 349-2294.
  • Solvang
  • Dr. J's Bicycle Shop, 1693 Mission Drive, 688-6263, email cyclist75@earthlink.net.
    Full service bike shop. Juvenile, BMX, freesytle and cruiser bikes; men and lady's single and multi-speed beach cruisers; cross and comfort bikes; mountain bikes; and road and touring bikes. Complete lines of accessories, maps, helmets, and car racks. In-shop service for all bicycles.

Bike Rentals

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Wheel Fun Rentals, DoubleTree Resort.

  • Goleta
  • Isla Vista Bicycles, email info@ivbikes.com. 880 Embarcadero Del Mar and 6539 Trigo Road, Isla Vista, 968-3338.
    Rentals $15-25 a day, $40-60 a week, $75-100 a month. Mountain bikes, hybrids, road bikes, and beach cruisers.
  • Santa Barbara
  • Santa Barbara Bikes To-Go, 617-3364, email taryn@sbbikestogo.com.
    Rent top of the line road or hybrid bikes. Free Santa Barbara area delivery to hotel, residence or Amtrak station. Bike brands include Cannondale, Cervelo, Felt, LOOK, Scott, Specialized and more. Rent by the day, week or month.
  • Santa Barbara Pedicab, email jim@sbpedicab.com, 453-2759 for reservations.
    Rent a pedicab with driver to take you to or from special events or destinations in the central Santa Barbara area. Pick up at local hotels.
  • Wheel Fun Rentals, 22 State Street, 23 East Cabrillo Boulevard, and 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard (at the DoubleTree Resort), 966-2282.
    Rent a mountain bike, beach cruiser, trike or 4-wheel surrey by the hour, day or week. Charge the rental fees to your room if you are staying at the DoubleTree.
  • WheelHouse, 528 Anacapa Street, 845-6547.
    City and cargo carrying bikes for rent by the hour, day or week. Bikes by Jamis, Bowery Lane Bicycles, Batavus, and WorkCycles are all available.
  • Santa Ynez
  • Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours, 3630 Sagunto Street, 686-9490.
    Rent a road, hybrid or mountain bike, either by itself or for one of their tours of the local vineyards and countryside.
  • Solvang
  • Wheel Fun Rentals, 475 First Street #6, 688-0091.
    Rent a mountain, road bike, tandem or 4-wheel surrey.

Bike and Accessory Manufacturers

Santa Barbara County has several bicycle and bike accessory manufacturing businesses. Check out their websites and contact them before visiting. Phone numbers are area code 805.

  • EcoBike, 4193 Carpinteria Avenue, Unit #3, Carpinteria, 576-7633.
    EcoBike's Scott Shaw manufactures electric-assist bikes with aluminum frames, pull-out lithium ion batteries, front suspension, fenders, racks, LED lights, and bells. Riders can pedal without the battery, or slip it in for assisted travel.
  • Inertia Designs, PO Box 4713, Santa Barbara, 965-6922.
    Founded in 1998, Inertia manufactures bicycle bags to serve serious cyclists—for racing, training, touring or commuting. Their bags are sold in shops throughout the US.
  • Lightning Bicycles, 312 9th Street, Lompoc, 962-8509.
    Lightweight, record-breaking recumbant bikes designed by Tim Brummer.
  • Lighthouse Cycles, DISCOUNT, PO Box 134, Santa Ynez, 899-3668.
    Custom bicycle design and fabrication by Tim Neenan, since 1976.
  • Old Man Mountain Products, 23 South Fairview, Suite C, Goleta, 692-9950.
    Channing Hammond owns the shop that manufactures his tough bike pannier racks for standard and custom bike configurations. He has recently introduced his own mountain bike.

Books & Maps on Santa Barbara County Bicycling

photo of Coast book

Here is a list of guides for bicycling within Santa Barbara County. The following stores have some of the listed books and maps. Phone numbers are area code 805.

  • Chaucer's Books, 3321 State Street, Santa Barbara, 682-6787
  • B. Dalton Bookseller, Santa Maria Town Center East , Santa Maria, 922-7929
  • Pacific Travellers Supply, 12 West Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, 963-4438
  • Adventure Cycling Association, Bicycle Touring Maps. The best US bicycling maps available. Pacific Coast Section 4 covers 365 miles between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Pacific Coast Section 5 covers 245 miles between Santa Barbara and Imperial Beach. There is lots of information about riding conditions, camping, bike shops, history, and more. $11.00 each directly from Adventure Cycling.
  • Delaine Fragnoli, Mountain Biking California's Central Coast Best 100 Trails. Fine Edge Productions. As the title says, it describes 100 off-road rides between Big Sur and LA, many of which are in Santa Barbara County. List price $18.95.
  • Joanne Rife, Bicycling Country Roads from San Jose to Santa Barbara. Western Tanager Press, 124 pages. Includes maps, route instructions for fifty bicycle trips ranging from 10 to 70 miles in length. Explores some of California's most marvelous areas. List price $9.95.
  • Tom Kirkendall and Vicky Spring. Bicycling the Pacific Coast. Mountaineers Books. Subtitled "A complete route guide Canada to Mexico," it gives very detailed and understandable directions—particularly on how to find your way through San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. List price $14.95.

Online ride sources

  • Bike Santa Barbara County. Ralph Fertig, a longtime bicycling activist in the region, has crafted a website that addresses the needs of bicyclists who wish to come here to join tours, meet club members, or ride on-road and off-road. Info on lodging, rides, camping, hostels, tourist bureaus, and lots more. Go to www.bike-santabarbara.org.
  • Central Coast Cycling. Rick Sweet has put online a number of rides that you can take in the northern part of Santa Barbara County. They are grouped as road rides, pleasure rides and mountain bike rides. The site is www.centralcoastcycling.com.