Bicycle Friendly University

University of California, Irvine| Silver Level

University Highlights: Bicycling is fully integrated as a mode of sustainable transportation at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The bikeways and bicycle facilities at UCI complement access from the City of Irvine and the County’s bikeway system. Whether commuting from off campus or from on campus student and faculty housing, UCI offers an extensive bicycle network, well-maintained bikeways and ample bike parking. Bicycles can be accommodated on public transportation, campus shuttles, and as a standalone commute mode, encouraging their use over a vehicle. A contiguous bikeway system takes bicyclists from their homes to the campus academic core. Shared paths and shared roads are clearly marked and maintained for safety. Bicycle racks are available in all areas of campus. Traffic signals are being retimed to accommodate bicyclists. Investing in bicycling infrastructure is a priority at UCI as well. To address safety and campus connectivity concerns an off-street paved bike path to link the housing communities and the campus core was constructed. The East Campus Palo Verde Bike Path is a 2.5 mile off-street bike path which links student housing communities in UCI's east campus sector with the campus central academic core. The bike path starts in the center of the east campus, and runs alongside an undergraduate housing community, to the Anteater Recreation Center, the route’s midpoint. The path begins again on the opposite side of a signaled street and runs parallel to more student housing communities over an elevated road crossing and terminates at the academic core. The Palo Verde Bike Path provides a direct and safe route for thousands of bicyclists between their homes, the recreation center, and the heart of the UCI campus.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
The membership-based ZotWheels automated bikeshare program was initiated to provide the UCI community with access to shared bicycles for use on and around the campus. The ZotWheels bikes are three-speed beach cruisers emblazoned with UCI’s anteater mascot and school colors. Four bicycle stations with 40 available ports are located around the academic campus core with a total of 28 bikes in circulation. The bikes can be rented and returned at any of the ZotWheels stations allowing members to easily find a bike and a port for return. Membership in the program is presently $40 per year which provides members unlimited bicycle use during the year. A three hour time limit ensures bicycle availability during the course of the day for as many members as possible who want to ride. Approximately 100 members use the bikes an average of 25-30 times per day when classes are in session and even more when the weather is nice.