Share the Path: Ride Smart, Ride Safe

Commuting on campus is changing rapidly with the growing use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices. 

With the rapid adoption of e-bikes, e-scooters and other powered micromobility devices, we’ve noticed both the benefits and safety challenges they bring. 

For example, the proportion of scooter-related crashes on campus has increased fivefold over the past 15 months. This trend underscores the importance of slowing down and riding with care.

Please remember that the central core campus speed limit for bike paths and roadways is 15 mph. Exceeding this limit creates risks for riders and pedestrians alike. Higher speeds reduce reaction times, require greater stopping distances and increase the likelihood and severity of injuries when accidents occur.

To help increase awareness of the 15 mph areas, we will be adding posted and painted speed limit signage. We are also developing an education and compliance program to promote safer riding habits and ensure our pathways remain welcoming and secure for everyone. The program will include safety officers engaging with people on campus to address unsafe riding behavior.

Top Tips for Riders

We need your help to make our campus safer. By following speed limits, staying alert and respecting all users of our shared spaces, you contribute to a healthier and safer UC Davis community.

• 15 mph speed limit throughout the restricted campus core and on all off-street bike paths. 

  • If you don’t know how fast 15 mph is, simply don’t ride faster than a SPIN scooter. Those are hard-limited to 15 mph on campus.

• Wear a helmet. Get a free helmet through the Helmet Hair Don't Care program.

• Don’t ride on sidewalks unless signage explicitly allows it. 

• Yield to pedestrians at crossings.

• E-scooter riders: don’t ride tandem, and remember a driver’s license is required.

• Headphones: one or none. 

• Ride safe, ride sober.