Bike Security

Safety Helmet Law

Wearing a bicycle helmet while riding a bicycle on University property is not required. However, sustaining permanent brain damage or death can be prevented by simply wearing a helmet. 98% of bicyclists killed in 1999 reportedly weren’t wearing helmets. For your protection, it is highly recommended that a bicycle helmet is worn at all times while riding a bicycle on and off campus. Wearing a bicycle helmet is required by the state of California for individuals under 18 years of age while riding a bicycle on a street or any public bicycle path or trail. A short trip to class or to a store can take only a few minutes. Brain injuries can occur in a matter of seconds. Don't take the chance; wear a helmet!

Bicycle Registration

It is crucial to remember the name brand and serial number of your bicycle in the event of a theft. You can register your bicycle at any City of Santa Clara fire station to have an additional record on file in the event that your bicycle is lost or stolen. Santa Clara Fire Station #1 is located on the corner of Alviso and Benton Streets at 777 Benton Street. The bicycle can be registered for $2.00 Monday through Friday between 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The bicycle serial number is recorded, a unique identification number is attached to the frame of the bicycle, and a receipt with the bicycle information is given. Contact Santa Clara Fire Department for more information at (408) 984-3059.

Reporting Accidents

Reporting bicycle accidents is important regardless if an injury occurred or not. Information gathered at accident scenes can be useful in the event that injuries become apparent later or implementing corrective measures to prevent future accidents. In the event of a life threatening injury or an injury sustained from a bicycle/vehicle accident, call 911 and remain in the area. If it is hazardous or dangerous to remain in the area, remove yourself to a safe location. All other accidents can be reported to Campus Safety Services at (408) 554-4441 or Santa Clara Police Department at (408) 615-4700. Be sure to provide your physical condition and current location. If there is a vehicle involved, obtain as much information as possible.

How to Lock a Bicycle

Securing a bicycle correctly requires that the lock is secured, and the bicycle is in a bike rack. Several bike racks are provided throughout campus, and the racks accommodate most bicycles. Bike racks work most effectively when both bicycle wheels are placed in the metal clamps and the metal clamps are secured properly with a lock. Here are some effective suggestions for securing your bicycle:

• Utilize a padlock in the basket cage attachment on the side of the rack.
• Use any brand case hardened U-lock to secure the two metal clamps together.
• Do not lock bicycle to hand rails, light poles or trees.
• A cable lock is not recommended to secure a bicycle in any way.
• Most cable locks can be easily cut and will appear to have been removed as if a key was used to unlock it.
• A small cable and lock are useful in securing the bicycle seat to the bicycle frame.

Safety Requirements for Bicycles

A bicyclist on a street or any public path or trail after dark is required by California state law to have the following components:

• A front lamp emitting a white light that is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle; a lamp attached to the operator and visible from the same distance is also acceptable.
• A red reflector on the rear of the bicycle that is visible from a distance of 500 feet in front of a vehicle.
• A white or yellow reflector on each pedal that is visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.
• White or yellow reflector on the front center and rear center of the bicycle that is visible from the side.

Tips on Bicycle Safety

• On streets, ride on the right with the flow of traffic.
• Stop at all STOP signs and all traffic lights.
• Give the right of way to pedestrians.
• Carry no passengers (except on approved baby carriers).
• Do not ride against the flow of traffic on a one-way street.
• Control your bicycle and maintain your speed at 15 mph or less.
• Announce your presence when approaching pedestrians or other cyclists.
• When entering streets, check for oncoming traffic in both directions.
• Do not park bicycles on ramps or pathways.
• Do not attach yourself to vehicles on a roadway or path.
• Be careful when riding in wet conditions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings; warn pedestrians or fellow riders when you are passing them with, "On Your Right!"

Checklist - Before Every Ride

• Wear a helmet.
• Make sure your bicycle is in proper working condition.
• Check to ensure that your wheels are straight and secure.
• Check your tire for proper inflation.
• Check your brakes.
• Use a working headlight and a tail light when riding at night.
• Wear light, bright, and reflective clothing, especially at night.

Biking Links

For more biking information, please visit the following links:

Moutian Bike Product Review » Info

Bicycling.com » Info

Moutainbike.com» Info