Bikes and E-bikes surge amid high gas prices

ISLA VISTA, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - More consumers are turning to bikes and E-bikes as high gas prices push people to look for cheaper ways to get around.

Paul Forester is a retired teacher who has started relying less on his car and more on his E-bike.

"I shop with it a whole bunch of stuff I used to do with my car, I now do with my E-bike," Forester explained.

He's not alone. A new 2026 study from micromobility company Veo shows that 68% of people with access to a car have replaced some of their driving trips with bikes or E-bikes.

Forester says saving money on gas is just one of the benefits.

"Parking. You don't have to worry about parking. Its so much easier going around downtown, to get groceries and do errands, or go to the bank when you don't have to worry about parking," Forester added.

At Isla Vista Bike Boutique, staff say they've seen a recent increase in people interested in used bikes as gas prices remain high, and for bicycle mechanic Henry Sarria, the switch has already paid off.

"As far as grocery shopping, we just ride our bikes to the IV Food Co-op, pick up groceries, and call it a day," Sarria shared.

From E-bikes to bike lanes, Santa Barbara County is steadily building around two-wheeled transportation.

In Isla Vista, a multi-million-dollar effort is bringing in protected lanes, improved sidewalks, curb extensions, and upgraded crossing signals to make cycling safer and better connected.