Bike Safety and Education

Bike Accidents

Top seven reasons for bike accidents on campus

• Excessive speed on bike path
  
  
• Ignoring stop signs
  
  
• Loose sand or gravel on roadway or path
  
  
• Avoiding unexpected animals (squirrels, snakes, deer)
  
  
• Pedestrians (weaving in and out of, or avoiding those who cross in front of you)
  
  
• Vehicles (opening car doors, backing out into your path of travel)
  
  
• Other cyclist (crowding , merging , weaving)
  
  

Choosing a Safe Route When Cycling

When traveling to the campus through the City of Santa Cruz, take time to plan your route to avoid heavily congested areas – especially Mission Street, which serves as a primary route for heavy trucks. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission produces a very detailed map of bike routes that is available through TAPS by calling 831/459-2190.
A map with suggested bike routes throughout Santa Cruz County is available online, as is a PDF showing safe routes to the Westside Bike Shuttle.

Report Hazards

The Regional Transportation Commission accepts Bicycle Hazard Report Forms from cyclists or any other commuters who have identified a potential cycling hazard during their travels. These forms are forwarded to the appropriate local jurisdiction for their action. Typically, 50 reports are submitted a year. Report forms may be submitted at any time throughout the year. For additional information on this program or to get a form mailed to you, call 831/460-3200.

Educate Yourself

UCSC offers a number of classes and bike rides though out the year, most of which are free of charge. If you are a novice and new to cycling or if you are just new to riding your bike in Santa Cruz and navigating the UCSC steep hills, our bike classes will help you feel confident and competent. Our classes are taught by a League Cycling Instructor certified through the
League of American Bicyclists and cover topics like essential bike safety equipment and bike checks, avoiding common causes of car-bike collisions, and best routes to take in Santa Cruz.

Our bike rides are also lead by a League Cycle Instructor and cover skills in proper lane positioning, emergency bike handling, and navigating the narrow and steep hills of UCSC. Additional topics include skills for riding in the rain, and "secret" lesser-known Santa Cruz City routes and all rides are geared to have fun!

More References and Safety Oriented Materials