Alternative Transportation Safety Initiative
UPD knows that cycling and skateboarding are legitimate means of transportation at CSUMB, and as such, began a campaign with various departments on campus that focuses on responsible traveling and recreation.
The campaign is at the beginning of every semester.
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Quick Facts (provided by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Traffic Safety Facts 2014 Data Sheet):
- The 726 pedalcyclist deaths in 2014 accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities during the year.
- Seventy-one percent of all pedalcyclists who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2014 died in crashes in urban areas.
- Over the past 10 years (2005 to 2014), the average age of pedalcyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes has steadily increased from 39 to45.
- The pedalcyclist fatality rate per capita (rate per million people) was almost 8 times greater for males than females in 2014.
- Alcohol involvement – either for the motor vehicle operator or for the pedalcyclist – was reported in more than 35 percent of all fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2014.
- Twenty-four percent of the pedalcyclists who died in 2014 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .01 g/dL or greater.
- Dial 9-1-1 for University Police Department (UPD).
- If there are no major injuries, safely move cars/bicycle out of the way of other traffic.
- Wait for UPD to arrive on-scene. Do not leave the scene of the accident.
- Be prepared to exchange driver’s license and insurance information to all affected parties. Be ready to provide minimally your insurance information, name and phone number.
- Be sure to provide UPD Officers with a thorough and accurate statement as to how the collision occurred.
- If injured, advise UPD Officers so the appropriate medical personnel can respond (AMR/Fire) to properly evaluate your injuries.
- If an accident report is desired, advise UPD Officers and obtain the report number so you can provide it to your insurance company.
- Contact your insurance to report the collision.
Operating your bike
- People on bikes have the same rights and must follow the same rules as people in cars and trucks, so obey all regulatory signs. STOP AT STOP SIGNS regardless of your momentum. (CVC 21200, 22450, 21543)
- Pedestrians have the right of way (CVC 21954(b))
- Ride the Same Direction as Traffic (CVC 21650)
- Keep an ear clear! (CVC 27400)
- On narrow street, “take the lane” to discourage dangerous passing by following motorists (CVC 21202)
- Riding with no hands is prohibited. (CVC 21205)
- If you under the age of 18 years, you must wear a helmet (CVC 21212)
Equipping your bike
- Brakes: Bicycles must be equipped with a brake that allows an operator to execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (CVC 21201(a)).
- Handlebars: Handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders. (CVC 21201(b)).
- Bicycle size: Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and start safely. (CVC 21201(c)).
- Lights: At night a white headlight visible from the front must be attached to the bicycle or the bicyclist. (CVC 21201(d) and CVC 21201(e)).
- Seats: All riders must have a permanent, regular seat, unless the bicycle is designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat. Bicycle passengers weighing less than 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts. (CVC 21204). In other words, no “hitching a ride” on the handlebars or rear rack.
- Reflectors: At night bicycles must have the following reflectors:
- Visible from the back: red reflector
- Visible from the front & back: white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist’s shoes or ankles
- Visible from the side: 1) white or yellow reflector on the front half of the bicycle and 2) a red or white reflector on each side of the back half of the bike. These reflectors are not required if the bike has reflectorized front and back tires. (CVC 21201(d)).
Navigation tips
- Roundabout (CVC 21650)
- Ride counter-clockwise.
- Traffic already in the circle has the right of way.
- Don’t cut cross the center of the circle or go against the flow of traffic.
- Always yield right-of-way to any bike or vehicle already in the circle.
- Signaling your turns is especially helpful in circles, and be sure to watch out for others and adjust your speed or turns accordingly.
- Bicyclists should ride far enough away from parked vehicles to avoid being hit by an opening door. Ride to the right, but not so far that you might hit the curb. You could lose your balance and fall into traffic.
- Use hand signals before making turns or changing lanes to warn traffic around run. To signal a left turn, look behind you, over your left shoulder, and then extend your left arm out. To signal a right turn, hold your left arm up with your elbow bent (you may also hold your right arm straight and point to the right). You do not have to keep your arm extended while completing the maneuver – always have at least one hand on the handlebars to maintain control. To signal that you are slowing or stopping, extend your left arm down.
For your own safety and to keep your bike in top working order.
These inspections are quick and easy, taking no more than 30 seconds total.
1. Tires and Wheels
Before you get on your bike, check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated. Take a quick look all the way around for places where the rubber might be cracked, gouged or worn.
Also, check the nuts or quick release mechanisms that hold your wheels in place. Verify that your wheels are securely fastened so they don’t come out while riding.
2. Brakes
Squeeze your brake levers to make sure that they apply enough pressure to stop your bike and that you don’t have any problems with fraying or stretched cables.
Eyeball the brake pads in the front and back to be sure they are hitting only the rims and not the tires. If your brake pads are squeezing the tires when applied, not only can it wear or damage your sidewalls, but can also result in you being bucked over the handlebars. You only want the brake pads on the rims, because that allows a gentler, more consistent stop.
3. Seat Post & Handlebar Stem
Next, check to make sure that your handlebar is set at the right height, that the stem is fastened tightly and that your seat is at the correct height. You want to be sure that both are secure, as there are fewer things more exciting (and not in a good way) than realizing that you can’t control your bike as you go zipping down the street because the handlebars are loose in your hands.
4. Helmet – But seriously, they save lives!
As you get ready to put on your helmet, look it over once to make sure there are no cracks on the outer shell or inner surface. Check too, that the straps are adjusted so that the helmet fits snugly, and sits down on your forehead, hitting somewhere above your eyebrows. A common mistake is to wear a helmet that rides up too high, which won’t protect your forehead in the event of a wipeout.
5. Chain and Gears
The last thing to check is that your chain turns cleanly through your front and rear sprockets and doesn't rub against the derailleurs. You can do this as you pedal when you first set off. At the same time, quickly run your bike through its range of gears to make sure there are no problems with rough shifting, chain slippage etc., and that the drive train is free from excessive grime and doesn’t need lubrication.
There are stations for you to repair your bike around campus, but if you cannot fix the repair yourself, visit the Otter Cycle Center. They provide a full-service repair shop at discounted rates for CSUMB students, faculty and staff, and free air pump services.
Safety:
Every skateboarder should always wear a helmet. (It’s the law for everyone under the age of 18 years.)(CVC 21212(a)). In addition to helmets, wear padding, and closed-toe and slip-resistant shoes while skateboarding.
Rules:
- Skateboards may only be operated on campus sidewalks, walkways, and paved paths.
- Skateboards may not be operated in crosswalks, parking lots, or streets.
- Skateboarding is prohibited on steps, stairways, disability access ramps, benches, walls, railings, seating areas, and eating areas.
- Skateboards should not be operated by anyone under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Skateboards should not be ridden recklessly. Reckless riding includes, but is not limited to, stunt or trick riding, riding at an excessive speed, and riding in a manner that endangers the safety or property of others.
Hours of operation:
- Skateboards may not be operated on Main Campus between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday – Friday.
- Skateboards may not be operated on Main Quad between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
- Skateboards may not be operated in East Campus Housing areas between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday – Friday.
January 23, 2017 - January 30, 2017
August 22, 2016 - September 4, 2016
January 29 - February 12, 2016
September 8 - 10, 2015
February 3 - 5, 2015