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. There are more bikes in Davis than there are cars – bike lanes are on approximately 95 percent of all its arterials and collectors.

Davis budgets approximately $100,000 per year for bike path maintenance and has just initiated another bicycle undercrossing project of a major arterial. Davis has two full-time bicycle coordinators and a seven-member Bicycle Advisory Commission, and U.C. Davis also has a separate Bicycle Programs Committee. During the month of May the city holds a month-long bicycle celebration called Cyclebration that includes one double century, a bike auction, a historic bike tour and a bike commute day. City residents voted to do away with public school busses many years ago, so now many children walk or bike to school. There is a comprehensive local bike map with tips and resources on the back, and the university offers Smart Cycling courses and has League Cycling Instructors (LCI) on staff. The university has a car lockdown during class changes to ensure cyclists have the right of way. Bicycling is core to the community’s identity – so much so that Davis’ logo is a bike.

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: “Bike lanes, bicycle traffic signals and scenic trails permeate our community. With our commitment to bicycling and sustainability, Davis is proving that bicycling in our society makes more sense than ever. One of our favorite local expressions is that ‘There are more bicycles in Davis than cars.’ With our large and enthusiastic bicycling community, Davis is the site of many outstanding bicycle events throughout the year. Together with U.C. Davis, our town’s support for bicycle programs and facilities are known throughout the country. We truly are Bike Town, USA.” - Mayor Ruth Uy Asmundson.

Most Compelling Community Statistic: Davis’ number of bicycle commuters is an inspiring 14 percent, which is roughly 35 times the national average.