University of California, Berkeley

Welcome to Berkeley! We're glad you're choosing to ride a bike to get around, but we hope you will take steps to be a safe cyclist and do what you can to keep your bike out of the hands of thieves. Whether you're on the streets of Berkeley, San Francisco, or even on campus, you will want to use the right technique and equipment to lock your bike.

Learn how to go through wheel (no quick release) and main frame around bike rack. Use a cable to get all wheels. Be sure the U-lock secures the frame to your rack, not just a wheel.

Read more about locking your bike on this page on locking your bike on the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition site at sfbike.org.

Be sure to check out the interactive animation on the top that page. It was produced by the Bike Coalition and it's a great illustration of how to best keep a bike.

For a large view, click here.

On the UC Berkeley campus, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times, except where signage directs pedestrians to give the right of way to bikes.

Bicyclists are subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers. The maximum speed limit on roadways is 25 mph, except where posted otherwise. In driveways and parking lots it is 10 mph. Within 10 feet of a pedestrian, 5 mph.

Bicylists can ride everywhere on campus roadways, paths and courtyards except the Dismount Zone— defined as Sproul and Dwinelle Plazas, during the period of peak pedestrian traffic, 8am-6pm, M–F— when and where bicyclists must walk their bicycles or be subject to citation.

At UC Berkeley and in the City of Berkeley, bicycles are required to have a California Bicycle License. If UCPD stops you while riding a bicycle without a valid license, you could be subject to citation. Additionally, licensing your bicycle increases the likelihood of recovery in case of theft. A new license is valid for three years. Renewals, also available, are valid for up to three years.

Bike licensing is offered reglulary by UCPD. Times and locations will be posted below (at police.berkeley.edu/prevention/bike.html#license. )

Bicycle theft is a tremendous problem on college campuses, and UC Berkeley is no exception. Bicycles and bicycle parts, including “quick release” seats and wheels, are in big demand, and thieves are well-equipped and organized.

• Always lock your bike to a bicycle rack. • Use a high quality “U” shaped lock. Avoid using lightweight cables or chains, or low quality U-locks. • Always lock your bicycle through the frame and both wheels to a bicycle parking rack. • Lock all free parts of bike or take them with you. • Avoid leaving your bicycle locked outside overnight. • Before leaving your bicycle, give the lock a tug to ensure it is secured.

• Always ride with traffic. • Signal your turns and moves. • Ride in a straight line, to the right of faster-moving traffic. • Ride as far to the right as is safe, but not so far that you’ll hit garbage cans or opening car doors. • If there is a bike lane, use it. Wear a bicycle helmet. A headlight for night riding use is required by law. A red rear reflector, two side reflectors on each wheel and reflector pedals should be used. Light-colored, reflective clothing is also a good idea.

For more information on campus cycling and a list of cycling resources, visit the the Parking and Transportation website at pt.berkeley.edu.

Bike licensing is provided by CSOs, UCPD's student employees, when school is in session. The service is temporarily suspended until instruction begins again, the week of January 20th.

Upper Sproul Plaza, near Sather Gate

Licensing will resume in late January. Updates will be posted here.

campus affiliates and general public

Safety Counts - UCPD's Annual Security Report — Contains bike theft statistics for various areas on campus.

UC Berkeley Parking & Transportation Department, Bike Info page— Offers extensive information about bicycling in the area and about equipment and safety. P&T has worked with the campus to develop the Campus Bicycle Plan, which is available to review here.

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Locking Page — The generous source of the animation shown on this page. This page details the best bike locking strategies.