DAVIS, Calif. — The fall quarter at UC Davis is underway, and students are learning the ins and outs when it comes to getting around campus on a bike.
Jefferey Bruchez, active modality manager at UC Davis, says the university purposefully accommodates bicycle transportation. Even the campus core limits vehicle access to allow bikes and pedestrians to have free reign.
"I think that synthesis of both the university and the city putting bikes forward has really led us to where we have almost 35% or 40% of the campus getting around on a bike every day here," said Bruchez.
He says it takes two to three weeks for everyone to get into a rhythm once school starts.
Ty Norvell is in his second year at UC Davis and he got the hang of things pretty quickly, biking to class and navigating roundabouts. Norvell says had some previous experience on a bike, so he was more prepared.
"When I came to Davis, obviously I started biking a lot, like every single day because that's how you move around Davis, that's how people do it," said Norvell.
According to Norvell, the biggest danger to bicyclists is other bicyclists who don't really know how to do it. He says it takes a little while for people to adjust.
"I would say go slow and be aware. Don't always have headphones on, look around especially going towards a roundabout, just look around – don't be oblivious," said Norvell.
Bruchez says their office offers some programs to help teach basics for biking and scootering.
'Helmet hair don't care' teaches how to coexist in the transportation ecosystem, to get around safely on a bike or scooter. 'Lit Not Hit' teaches similar skills, but for riding at nighttime.
"We want everyone to get where they're going safely. That is really important to remember that we have a lot of bicyclists who are not super certain so slow down and bear with it. I think everything gets better in a couple of weeks and we just need to get through this together and safely," said Bruchez.
Bruchez is also a certified cycling instructor. Here are a few tips he offers for new riders:
- The ABCs stand for check for Air in tires, that your Brakes work and that Chains are in good condition
- Bruchez says bikes have a right to ride on the road
- Give yourself enough time to get where you're going
- Get a high-security lock, and lock your bike's frame to the item
