Bicycle Friendly University

University of California, Santa Barbara| Gold Level

University Highlights: University of California, Santa Barbara has successfully incorporated the necessary infrastructure, educational classes, and incentivizing programs to qualify as one of the most bicycle-friendly universities in the country. With 10,000 bike parking spots-- including bike lockers, secure bike storage areas and plentiful bike racks-- the university has nearly twice as much bike parking as car parking. They provide a small fleet of communal bikes for students and employees.  With 3 bicycle underpasses, 10 miles of shared bike routes (streets, roads, paths, etc.), 7 miles of Class I bicycle paths and 7 bicycle roundabouts, bicyclists are able to safely and smoothly navigate campus and the surrounding area. A parking permit ban for those living within 2 miles of campus even further encourages students and faculty to bike to campus. The campus is easily accessible by trail, through an established bike route system, or bike lanes on surrounding and internal roads.  The university has a strong education program that includes ongoing hands-on instruction from Associated Students Bicycle shop staff, driver-safety training on bicycle awareness tailored for the campus community, and bicycle awareness trainings for campus police. It offers a fully staffed bicycle repair facility which also functions as a bicycle kitchen for those who want to borrow tools and learn the art of bicycle maintenance.The diversion program in place allows students who have receive bicycle citations to attend a free education class instead of paying a fine.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
UC Santa Barbara celebrates bicycling year-round with a number of bike-related events.  Bike Week in May is promoted extensively with activities including a commuter breakfast of bicycle shaped pancakes, raffles, music, Volunteer Bicycle Buddies and local Bicycle Coalition Bicycle League Street Skills classes-- all a part of the Santa Barbara CycleMAYnia. Earth Day in Santa Barbara has free bicycle valets and free mini-tune ups. The UC Santa Barbara Cycling team offers a Cruiser Bicycle race or a road race or the Island View Classic Criterium.