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UCSD Bicycle and Skate Guidelines

UCSD bicycle and skate regulations, enforced by the UCSD Police Department, apply to the use of bicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, rollerblades, scooters, and similar devices.

To avoid a citation, follow these guidelines

  • Bikes and skates are prohibited:
    • Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on main outdoor walkways, e.g., Library Walk and Ridgewalk
    • In all buildings
    • On the decks of Mandeville Center
    • Where signs restricting such activity are posted
  • Do not operate bikes or skates at excessive speeds or in a reckless or unsafe manner.
  • Park your bike so it:
    • Doesn't impede vehicle or pedestrian traffic
    • Doesn't block access to sidewalks, access ramps, parking lots, landscaped areas, doors, handrails, etc.
    • Is locked to a designated bike rack, not to a signpost, telephone pole, lamppost, or other object
  • Do not exceed a speed of 8 mph on shared-use paths.
  • Display your bike license and renewal sticker facing forward on the bike frame below the bike seat.

To prevent bicycle theft

  • Always lock your bike, even for "just a minute."
  • Lock your bike to a fixed, legal device such as a bike rack.
  • Lock your bike in a visible, well-lit location.
  • Use a U-shaped lock.
  • If you use cables or chains to lock your bike, make sure they're heavy duty and can't be cut easily.
  • Don't lock the wheels of your bike to a bike rack; thieves often leave a wheel and steal the rest of the bike.
  • Register your bicycle. To register your bike with the state of California, visit the the UCSD Bike Shop located in Student Center A, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration fee is $6.

For bicycle safety, be sure to

  • Ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Approach intersections and turns with caution.
  • Stop at stop signs.
  • Use hand signals.
  • Make eye contact with drivers.
  • Use lights at night.
  • Use proper gear, including a helmet, bright clothing, reflectors, and lights
  • Yield right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Slow down on shared-use walkways.

Additional information

  • To retrieve your impounded bike, contact the Bicycle Enforcement Officer at (858) 534-7335. An impound fee of $10 will be charged.
  • Faculty, staff, and students who commute by bicycle are eligible for free occasional use permits and other benefits through the UCSD Pedal Club.
For more information, see Police Department Contacts.

Police Services