A #LompocCounts Census Bicycle Caravan traveled through Lompoc neighborhoods on June 20, reminding residents of the importance of participating in the 2020 Census. Cyclists adorned their bikes with decorations and signage directing onlookers to call the Census phone number or visit the Census website.

Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne took part in the caravan, along with members of the Healthy Lompoc Coalition, Spanish-speaking community health workers from the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network, and other community volunteers.

The caravan traveled through neighborhoods south of Lompoc High School to Ocean Avenue waving at residents to encourage them to complete the Census. The Census bike caravan took place in an area of the Lompoc Valley that has a low response rate with the aim of getting more people to complete the Census.

Osborne noted that Lompoc is a community of “essential workers, grocery workers, agriculture workers, and first responders,” meaning residents are busy working, so it can be challenging to find time to fill out the Census form.

This is the first year the Census has been offered online.

“The digital divide impacts many in our community hindering their ability to take the online version, especially with so many public spaces with computers closed due to COVID-19,” Osborne said. “That’s why special outreach efforts like the bike caravan are imperative to ensure the community hears the message of how important this is for our city.”

Organizers of the #LompocCounts Census Bike Caravan reminded residents that the Census will take about 10 minutes to complete and it is important to make sure they are counted in the 2020 Census to ensure Lompoc receives its fair share of federal funding, which is dependent on completion of the Census.

For more about the 2020 Census, visit www.santabarbarbaracountycensus.org.