Bicycle Friendly Communities

Sacramento, CA | Silver Level

Community Highlights: The warm climate and low slope terrain make Sacramento an ideal place for bicycling. Overall, the city has a good network of bike lanes and trails, with plans to expand the system for even better bicycle access. As a standard practice, a dense network of bike trails and bike lanes are being built within new developments. The city has also introduced innovative bicycle friendly elements, such as shared lane markings and signs, one way streets with right and left side bike lanes and bicycle sensitive video detection at traffic signals. Guided by progressive leadership, Sacramento runs a bicycle and pedestrian safety course in elementary schools called the "Captain Jerry Traffic Safety Program". Featured in the presentation is an appearance of "Bikeman", a costumed superhero who talks about bike safety to the students. The program visits ten schools per year by making special assembly presentations. The students are encouraged to participate and receive special safety prizes. Sacramento also has a lively and unique bike culture - cycling events include the Tour de California with a pre-race community ride, May is Bike Month kick-off ride, a Bicycle Film Festival, Velo and Vintage (bicycle fashion show), The Seersucker and Tweed Rides, Thanksgiving day appetite enhancement ride,  and Cyclefest (custom bike show).

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: Sacramento built a $6.1 million bike and pedestrian overcrossing over Interstate 80.