Bicycle Friendly Community

Davis, CA | Platinum Level

Community Highlights: When Davis began planning for bicycles nearly 40 years ago there were no local, state or national guidelines so the city researched and developed their own. When the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) began formulating its own guidelines years later, much of their work was loosely based on what Davis had developed. Then when national guidelines were developed, a majority were based on what CALTRANS had done. Davis’ work from 40 years ago has had a dramatic "trickle-down" effect on communities throughout the country – an amazing progression of research, planning and design. The city has changed state laws to favor bicycling, and Davis continues this work today. Davis has grown from 6,000 to 60,000 residents with bicycling at the core of its comprehensive plan.
But Davis is not resting on its laurels. To stay in the forefront as a premier bicycling city, the City of Davis actively seeks to practice the state-of-the-art when it comes to bicycle planning and engineering. While Davis isn't making the giant leaps forward they did in their early years, the City continue to make steady and significant progress in improving the safety and attractiveness of bicycling, particularly as a viable transportation mode. In the past several years, Davis opened three new bicycle over-/under-crossings (and expects to open another within a year), installed hundreds of new, better-quality bicycle racks, developed or improved miles of off-street paths, installed on-street bicycle parking, added sharrows, started multiple new encouragement activities, completely revamped and improved the Bicycle Plan, and re-invigorated the Safe Routes to School movement in Davis. The community is fiercely proud not just of what we did 30 or 40 years ago, but what we continue to do.

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: Davis' biggest recent investments were bike path upgrades from asphalt to concrete, included widened and improved ramps, and the installation of new bicycle racks all over the city. Additionally, Davis hosted the Amgen Tour of California, the Livestrong Challenge Ride, and the US Bicycling Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - all of whcih raise the profile of bicycling and help the community garner support locally and beyond.

Most Compelling Community Statistic: Davis’ number of bicycle commuters is an inspiring 14 percent, which is roughly 35 times the national average – and there are more bikes in Davis than there are cars.