Community Development > Cambridge Bicycle Access Programs > Cambridge Resident Bikes Program

Cambridge Resident Bikes Program

The official deadline to apply for the Resident Bike Lottery Program was March 30, 2025, at 10 p.m. You can still apply, but all applications received after the deadline will be added to the waiting list, in the order they were received.

Residents can apply for a voucher to buy a new bicycle from a participating bike shop. Applicants can apply for a voucher for a pedal bike (up to $800), e-bike (up to $2,000), or an e-cargo bike (up to $3,000). Residents with a chronic disability can apply for a customized adaptive bicycle or electric wheelchair attachment (up to $3,000).

Click the image below to watch our video overview of the Resident Bike Lottery Program!

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

Cambridge residents
Age 16+ for pedal bikes; 18+ for e-bikes.
Low or moderate income:
- Participation in government benefits programs such as WIC, SNAP, MassHealth, Section 8, etc. OR
- Income below 65% of area median income for household size.

Apply to the Cambridge Resident Bike Lottery

Application Information

Application Requirements

The deadline to apply for the Cambridge Bike Lottery was March 30, 2025, at 10 p.m. You can still apply, but all applications received after this date and time will be added to the waiting list, in the order they were received.
To apply, please make sure you have a picture or electronic copy of one of each of the documents listed below. You will need to upload those as part of your application.

Photo ID, for example passport, drivers license or state ID.
Proof of address, for example utility bill, or other bill with home address.
Proof of participation in government benefits programs for example WIC, SNAP, MassHealth, or Section 8, OR Proof of income at or below 65% of area median income for household size. You will be asked to upload income documentation such as tax return with home address from tax year 2023 or 2024 (Form 1040, Schedule C, or other filed tax form) or another type of wage document.
If selected for a voucher, people with disabilities who apply for a customized adaptive bicycle, or an electric wheelchair attachment will also need to get a medical documentation form filled out by a medical provider. That form is not required as part of the application.

Income Limits Referenced in Item 3 above

Household Size	65% of Area Median Income
1	$67,750
2	$77,450
3	$87,150
4	$96,800
5	$104,550
6	$112,300
7	$120,050
8	$127,800

Click the link below to see the Resident Bike Lottery flyer in your language

Click the link below to watch a video explanation of the Resident Bike Lottery in your language

Tips and FAQs

Can I apply after the application window closes?

Yes, you can still apply. However, all applications received after the deadline will be added to a waiting list, in the order they were received.

Can I make changes to my application after I have submitted it?

Applicants cannot make changes after an application has been submitted. Please review your application for accuracy before submitting it. If you make a critical error on your application (e.g. you spelled your name wrong, accidentally selected the wrong bicycle, or attached the wrong document), you can contact CDD staff at bikes@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6400 to update the application. Any changes to your application must be requested before the application deadline.

How many people in one household can apply?

Everyone in the household who is eligible can apply, however households cannot receive more than 2 vouchers.

How do I know my application was submitted?

You will receive a confirmation email from noreply@opengov.com after submitting your application. If you think you submitted your application, but did not receive a confirmation email, log into your Viewpoint account to see if your application is still in draft form. Follow the application prompts until you complete and submit your application.

When and how will find out if I win a voucher?

Once the lottery has been held (early April) we will review selected applications for completeness and eligibility. We will award vouchers on a rolling basis until the available funding has been used up.

If you are selected for a voucher, you may receive an email from noreply@opengov.com if any information is missing or unclear.
When your selected application is approved you will receive an email with a voucher for the type of bicycle you selected, and a list of participating bike shops where you can use the voucher for buying the bicycle.

Documents and Resources

How to apply