Bike Safety

About Biking at UCSB

Bicycling is central to campus life at UC Santa Barbara. With thousands of daily riders and more than seven miles of bike paths, predictable and courteous riding keeps everyone safe—cyclists and pedestrians alike. Use this page to learn campus etiquette, dismount zones, how to navigate roundabouts, how to ride at night, how to prevent theft, and what to do after a citation or incident.

Start by checking out this video that highlights dismounting and walking bikes in walkways. To keep our campus safe and moving, bikes must be walked on designated walkways. Beginning this quarter, enforcement efforts will be in place to support safer riding, consistent with CVC 21113(g).

Bike Citation Transparency

We want to keep students safe and informed. The UCSB Police Department (UCPD) is responsible for issuing traffic citations to individuals who violate bicycle and skateboard laws on campus. UCSB Transportation & Parking Services (TPS) is responsible for managing the administrative citation process.

Please make yourself knowledgeable in the University’s policies and California Vehicle Codes to avoid unnecessary fines. This information can be found at the following link: https://www.police.ucsb.edu/resources/bikeskateboard-rules-regulations

If you receive a bike-related citation on campus, it’s important to know your options!

OPTION 1: Complete an Online Safety Training Course

Good news! You may have your first citation waved by completing an online safety training course through Transportation & Parking Services (TPS). The online safety training course focuses on bike safety and campus riding etiquette, offering a restorative and educational approach to bicycle enforcement.

Safety training courses are only offered to first-time violators each academic year and must be completed within 30 days of citation issuance. Failure to complete the course or pay the citation within 30 days will result in the administrative citation being sent back to UCPD to be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County Traffic Court for processing.

Email bike-citation@tps.ucsb.edu for the safety course presentation and quiz.

Once you complete the quiz, please send the confirmation information to bike-citation@tps.ucsb.edu. After completing the course, you will need to fill out an appeal.

Note: The entire process must be completed within 30-days of citation issuance. Begin this process as soon as possible to ensure completion before the deadline.

OPTION 2: Pay the $40 Administrative Fine Amount

Payment of citation is due within 30 days of citation issuance.

Failure to respond within 30 days will result in the administrative citation being sent back to UCPD to be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County Traffic Court process. Online payments can be made via the following link: tps.ucsb.edu/citationpayment

The citation number can be found on the TOP RIGHT CORNER of your citation. Plate Number will be PM followed by your PERM number, example: PMA1234567. If you are not a UCSB student, use DL followed by your ID/Driver’s License number, example: DLD1234567. In-person payments can be made at the Transportation and Parking Services Office located at 6789 Navigator Way Goleta, CA 93117.

Most bike citations are $40. However, fees for violations under 21113(g) CVC can carry a minimum fine amount of $196. These citations are issued to support safer riding habits in high-traffic areas, especially bike dismount zones including the walkway between Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and Social Sciences & Media Studies building and the walkway between Interactive Learning Pavilion and Davidson Library.

OPTION 3: Opt-Out of Administrative Citation and Contest the Citation through Santa Barbara County Traffic Court

Citations may only be contested through the Santa Barbara County Traffic Court process. If you opt to contest your citation, the administrative citation will be sent back to UCPD and will be assigned a court date. Instructions for the Santa Barbara County Traffic Court process are available on the back of your citation, and any applicable fees are based on the Santa Barbara County Traffic Court fee schedule. Allow at least 30 days to expire after the citation issuance before contacting the Traffic Court about your citation.

Bike Citation Administration / bike-citation@tps.ucsb.edu

UCSB Cycling Context — Key Facts

Cycling is woven into daily life at UCSB, shaping how students, staff, and visitors move between classes and campus hubs. If you’re new to riding here—or just want a quick refresher—the highlights below capture the scale of the network, the campus’s national recognition, and why consistent rider etiquette matters during the busiest times of day.

Extensive bikeway network (7+ miles): UCSB’s campus-spanning paths link residence halls, academic buildings, and major hubs, allowing riders to bypass most vehicular routes and keep trips fast and direct. The continuous, separated corridors help reduce conflicts and keep flow steady even as volumes rise.
Platinum Bicycle Friendly University (League of American Cyclists): This top-tier recognition reflects a comprehensive approach—quality infrastructure, rider education, encouragement programs, and ongoing evaluation—signaling that UCSB invests in cycling as a safe, sustainable way to move around campus.
Peak-time surges require predictable riding: During class changes, bike paths can feel like busy freeways. Communicating clearly (e.g., pass on the left, ride single-file in tight areas, avoid sudden stops), holding a steady line, and matching speed to conditions protects both cyclists and pedestrians at crossings, roundabouts, and choke points.

This is a picture of colorful bikes on a bike rack.

This is an image of a bike rack, with the UCSB Library in the distance.

Associated Students (A.S.) Bike Shop

The A.S. Bike Shop is your primary on-campus resource for bicycle maintenance and education. Staffed by experienced student mechanics, the shop focuses on practical, affordable solutions and teaches skills that help you stay self-sufficient. Whether you need a quick fix, parts, or guidance, it is a central hub for safer daily riding.

Offers reduced pricing on maintenance and repairs using available A.S. student fees.
Provides a self-service repair station with a wide range of tools.
Exterior air pumps are available 24 hours a day.
Phone: 805-893-3610 • Website: bikeshop.as.ucsb.edu

More information can be found on the A.S. Bike Shop's Instagram:

@as.bikeshop

A.S. Bike Committee & Student Input

The student-run A.S. Bike Committee advocates for the campus bikeway system and manages a dedicated annual budget to fund improvement projects and raise awareness among students, staff, faculty, and administrators. Questions or maintenance needs can be shared directly with the committee, and safety data—like collisions and near-misses—can be reported to help identify problem areas and inform planning.

Direct infrastructure improvements and maintenance priorities.
Promote safe ridership through education and outreach.
Email: bikecomm@as.ucsb.edu • Website: bikes.as.ucsb.edu • A.S. Main Line: 805-893-2566
Report near-misses and collisions: BikeMaps.org

More information can be on the A.S. Bike Committee's Instagram:

@ucsb_bikecomm

Bike Safety Practices

Simple, consistent habits substantially reduce the risk of injury. Protective gear and stable control give you more margin for error and help avoid crashes. Keep it simple: be visible, be steady, and secure loose items. Wear a properly fitting helmet, keep both hands on the handlebars whenever possible, and secure U-locks or other loose items so they don’t interfere with safe operation.

Hand Signals

Use these standard gestures so other riders, pedestrians, and drivers can anticipate your movements. Signaling early and clearly is especially important in groups and at intersections.

Left turn: left arm straight out to the side.
Right turn: right arm straight out to the side, or left arm bent upward at a right angle.
Stop/slow: left arm downward at a right angle with the palm facing back.

Avoiding Distractions

Attentive riding is essential on crowded paths and in complex intersections. Keeping one ear open and your eyes up helps you pick up cues and react sooner. Save phone use for when you're stopped and are out of traffic.

If using headphones/earbuds, keep one ear open to hear surrounding traffic.
Don't use your phone while riding.
Keep your eyes up and scan ahead to identify hazards early.

Bike Path Etiquette

Predictable riding and clear etiquette keeps traffic moving smoothly and minimizes conflicts, which is especially important during class changes and at busy intersections.

Travel single-file in busy areas; avoid side-by-side riding.
Stay to the right except when passing; don’t drift across lanes.
Be predictable: avoid sudden stops or swerves; never stop inside roundabouts.

Pedestrian Areas & Dismount Zones

Some areas such as walkways and building-adjacent corridors prioritize pedestrians, and riders must dismount to ensure equitable use of shared spaces. Observing these rules keeps everyone moving, and violations may result in ticketing.

Walk bikes in marked pedestrian zones and when crossing walkways.
Pedestrian protections are enforced under CVC 21113(g).

Riding At Night

Visibility is critical after dark, and the law sets minimum lighting requirements. Proper lights make you more visible to others and help you see surface hazards in time. Slow down in dimly lit areas and check batteries before you head out.

Use a front white light and a rear red light or reflector at night (CVC 21201(d)(1)).
Reduce speed in poorly lit areas and ensure lights are charged and visible from a distance.

Roundabout Instructions

Roundabouts organize high-volume intersections; proper use prevents crashes and delays. Think of them as steady-flow circles: enter when it’s clear, choose the correct lane early, and keep moving.

Circulate counterclockwise.
Select the lane that matches your intended exit.
Yield to cyclists already circulating.
Do not stop inside the roundabout; exit before pulling over.

A picture of several electric scooters lined up

E-Scooters & E-Bikes Policy

Campus rules specify which micromobility devices are allowed and how they may be used. These policies balance access with safety by limiting speed and throttle use in shared spaces. Know your device class and follow these requirements on campus paths.

E-scooters are not permitted on campus sidewalks or bike paths.
An e-bike must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor rated at 750 watts or less.
Only pedal-assist operation is allowed on campus bike paths; do not use throttles on those paths.
The maximum allowable speed on campus bike paths is 20 mph.
Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist up to 20 mph) are allowed on campus bike paths.
Class 2 e-bikes (throttle-assist up to 20 mph) are allowed only if the throttle is not used on campus bike paths.

Using SB-MTD Bus Bike Racks

Buses extend your range, and knowing the rack procedure keeps everyone safe and on time. Practice the steps so loading and unloading is quick and smooth. If a rack is full, wait for the next bus or choose an alternate route.

Bikes are not permitted inside buses; most Santa Barbara MTD buses have exterior racks for up to three bikes.
Place both tires in the rack and pull the securing hook over the front tire.
When retrieving a bike, exit through the front door so the driver can maintain visibility.
MTD Info: bustracker.sbmtd.gov • Customer Service: 805-963-3366

Picture of a U Shaped Bike Lock next to a pedal

Bike Theft Prevention & Secure Locking Protocols

Correct locking and parking practices are the most effective deterrents to theft. Lock to designated racks, secure the frame and a wheel, and avoid railings or signs. Registration and licensing support recovery and help identify impounded bikes.

Lock the frame and at least one wheel to a designated bike rack; never lock to posts or accessibility railings. Two strong locks add deterrence.
Improperly parked bikes may be impounded.
Under CVC 39002, bicycles operated on campus must be licensed; licenses are available through UCPD/CSO.
Register your bike with UCPD to improve recovery chances after a theft.
UCPD Bicycle Program & Online Registration: police.uscb.edu

If You Are Involved in a Collision

If an incident occurs, a calm and organized response supports safety, documentation, and follow-up. Taking a moment to breathe, move out of traffic, and gather the right details makes resolution easier for everyone. Here's what to do right away and how to follow up afterward.

Immediate Steps (Select for Details)

Take initial actions that prioritize safety and information exchange. Move to a safe spot, check for injuries, and collect basic contact details so any next steps are clear and timely.

Move to a safe location off the path and check yourself and others for injuries.
Exchange names, phone numbers, and, if applicable, student identification with involved parties.

Medical Attention (Select for Details)

Choose the right level of care based on the severity of injuries. When in doubt, err on the side of getting help promptly so issues don’t worsen.

For urgent injuries, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
For non-urgent concerns, contact UCSB Student Health or your personal healthcare provider.

Report the Incident (Select for Details)

Reporting incidents helps improve campus safety and decisions about infrastructure. Your reports inform bike patterns, guide maintenance of paths, and support safer designs at high-traffic locations.

Report collisions or significant hazards to the UCSB Police Department (UCPD) at 805-893-3446.
Log collisions and near-misses on BikeMaps.org to support safety improvements.

Follow Up (Select for Details)

After the immediate response, review rules and equipment to prevent repeat incidents. A quick tune-up and a refresh on etiquette, lighting, and dismount zones go a long way.

Review campus rules concerning dismount zones, roundabouts, and lighting requirements.
Consider a tune-up at the A.S. Bike Shop if the bicycle’s condition was affected.

Key Contacts & Resources

Keep these contacts handy for questions, maintenance, reporting, and emergencies. Save the numbers in your phone and bookmark the links so they’re easy to find when you need them. Using official channels ensures you get accurate, up-to-date information.