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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Bike

Remember, safety first and foremost—be safe and be seen, be predictable, and be prepared. We prepared answers to questions we receive most often, but it doesn’t cover everything. So, check out our list of helpful links, which provide more information, sign up for one of our free Bike Safety Classes (they are hosted monthly), and reference our bike safety links for more information on bike safety, rules of the road and how we can help you be a safe, happy, and prepared rider. If you don’t find the information you need, we are here to help. Use our Bike Comments and Suggestions to provide us feedback or suggestions or send us an email to bike-information@stanford.edu.

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Can I rent a space in one of the bike cages on campus?

Main campus

There are five bike cages on the main campus: Stock Farm (east), Stock Farm (west), Via Ortega Parking Garage, Graduate School of Business Parking Garage and Center for Academic Medicine (CAM). The rental fee is $72 annually. Email us for more information or visit our Reserve Bike Storage page.

Stanford Redwood City

Secure bike storage is currently available with Stanford ID access at the following locations:

  • Recreation and Wellness Center, Room B140: located on Warrington Avenue, south of the Recreation and Wellness Center entrance.
  • ECH/A2 building: located on Barron Avenue across from the Pine Cone Children's Center

Please note: The bike cage located on the ground floor of Barron Garage (address: 2855 Bay Road, Redwood City) is currently closed for security upgrades.

What are the most important things I should know about riding a bike?

Be safe. Safety First! Always obey the rules of the road. Obey all traffic signals, signs, and laws. Get in the mindset of “driving” your bike—not just “riding” your bike. This will help you be a more focused and legally compliant bike rider. Wear a helmet for every ride, even short trips.

Be predictable. Ride so drivers, other cyclists, and pedestrians can see you and predict your movements.

Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected. Focus on riding and what is around you at all times. Always check behind you; do a quick check before you change lanes.

Be equipped. Always maintain a safe bike, have a front bike light that works and a rear reflector, wear bright colored or reflective clothing so you are visible at all times, and carry tools to fix a flat.

Be courteous. Yield to pedestrians and use hand signals to indicate to motorists your direction of travel.

How can I tell if my helmet is old and I need a new one?

Helmets should be inspected before a ride. Look for cracks or dents in the foam or the foam degrading or crumbling—these are sure signs that it is time for a new helmet. Helmets should last approximately three years, but if you ever crash or drop your helmet, it is strongly recommended you replace it. Check the buckles to ensure a safe fit, and make sure the helmet is properly fitted, covering the forehead and not tilted back. Any local bike shop can check the fit to make sure it is correct or the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has a good online reference that covers fitting a helmet.

My bike has been in storage—is it safe to ride?

Take your bike to your local bike shop for a quick safety check. They can determine if it is safe to ride or needs any additional maintenance. Ask them for an estimate first before the work is done. They can call you if they discover something major in the inspection process. The cost of a basic tune-up is approximately $50 to $75. Don’t assume just because you haven’t ridden your bike that it is still tuned-up. Grease and chain lubrication can dry over time, and cables can loosen up if bumped or moved around.

What rules should I follow when riding my bike?

Bicyclists need to follow the rules of the road as outlined by the California Vehicle Code, California DMV Bicycle Safety website. An additional reference is our Bike Safety Flyer.

You may be cited for running stop signs, riding at an unsafe speed for conditions, riding on the wrong side of the road or on sidewalks, wearing headphones over both ears while riding, not having legal brakes and lights, etc. Cyclists are required by state law to use front white lights, rear red reflectors, and pedal and side reflectors at night. Additional lights, especially rear red flashers, extra reflectors, and light colored clothing are a good idea. We also recommend that you not talk on a cell phone or text while riding.

While riding your bicycle, obey all traffic laws and wear a bicycle helmet for every ride, even short trips. Helmets can greatly reduce the risk of head injuries and death. In addition, defensive cycling is a key to bicycle safety. According to the California Vehicle Code, every person riding a bicycle on a street or highway has all the rights and responsibilities of the driver of a vehicle.

Can I get a bike citation for not stopping at stops signs and how much is it?

Stanford’s Department of Public Safety does issue bike citations for non-compliance. The estimated citation for not stopping at stop signs is approximately $200+. You can be cited for not stopping at stop signs, not having a front bike light, having both ears covered while riding (e.g., iPod in both ears) and not having your bike registered, among other violations. If cited, you have a one-time option in an 18-month period to attend the free bike safety class/bike citation diversion class in lieu of paying the fine. You can register online for the bike safety class.

Can I take a class to learn how to ride?

Our free bike safety classes offer helpful tips and interactive video on how to safely navigate streets and follow the rules of the road. If you need more coaching or lessons on how to actually ride, send us an email and we can provide instructors who can help.

Do you offer classes on bike safety?

Stanford’s Department of Public Safety offers free bike safety classes monthly at the Public Safety Police Compound. Register online.

What if I crash on my bike; what do I do?

If it’s an emergency, call 911. For minor injuries, visit your doctor or, if you are a Stanford student, go to Vaden Health Center. Any time you crash at Stanford, you should report the crash to Stanford’s Department of Public Safety. Exchange information with the other parties involved. Remember to tell a colleague or friend that you crashed in case injuries surface later. Remember to wear a helmet for every ride, even short trips.

Is there a place to pump up my tires on the Stanford campus?

There are 10 bicycle safety repair stands now on the Stanford campus. The stands have multiple tools to make minor repairs and a bike pump to inflate tires. The stands are available 24/7, and are free to use.

What are the essentials I need to commute or get around the campus?

Even though the distance you travel will vary, the motto “Be Prepared” is essential. Refer to our Get Ready to Roll page for more suggested gear to be safe and comfortable, including helmets, lights, locks, clothing, and tools.

Do I need special clothing to ride?

If you are only riding a short distance, less than a mile commuting or to get around the campus, you can comfortably ride in your work clothes with the following notes: Use a pant-leg band to prevent your pants from catching in the chain. Refrain from riding in heels or a skirt/dress with loose or long fabric, as the fabric can get caught in the spokes and stop the bike immediately, posing a hazard. Also, be aware of loose straps from a backpack that may dangle into the chain.

When riding longer distances, you may work up a sweat and might be more comfortable in bike shorts or bike pants and a jersey that will wick the moisture away to keep you dry. Make sure you wear proper footwear, flat soled shoes, and no open-toe sandals that leave your feet exposed.

Remember: Wear a bike helmet for every ride!

How can I arrange to have clean clothes at work?

One way is to bring in a supply of clothing when you don’t ride your bike (when you drive, carpool, or take the train and clothing can be more easily carried). You can store items in a clothing locker. Note, Stanford Transportation no longer rents clothing lockers, but Stanford Wellness and Recreation offers clothing storage for personal belongings.

How can I contact Stanford’s bike program to give feedback?

If you have comments and suggestions about biking at Stanford, we would love to hear from you! Email bike-information@stanford.edu or call 650.723.9362.

Helpful Biking Hints for Your Active Commute

Biking is a great way to save money on your commute, reduce your carbon footprint, and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Research has found that biking or walking to work improves mental and physical health.

Biking

Biking and Walking Tips for Rainy Weather

You might wonder how to fit biking and walking into the rainy months or during inclement weather.  The right gear can help make a difference.  Extra caution is necessary while riding in the rain. Here are some tips to stay warm and dry and be safer on the road. If you have other suggestions or questions, send an email to commuteclub@stanford.edu.

Additional tips for biking in the rain

  • Add bike fenders—front and rear. Removable fenders allow you to put them on when rain is expected and remove them during sunny weather.
  • Use a front headlight and rear lights on your bicycle (required by law) for visibility.
  • Use a seat cover for the bike saddle if you park your bike outside (a plastic grocery bag works great).
  • Make sure your bike is properly maintained—brakes are required by law to be operable. Your stopping capability is diminished in the rain. Allow a greater distance for stopping.
  • Pump up your tires to the recommended inflation (noted on the sidewall of the tire) to ensure improved contact on slippery surfaces and to avoid flats.
  • Slow down when riding in the rain. Wet and slippery road conditions and reduced visibility for you and for motorists mean that extra time and care are needed to avoid sudden turns and stops.
  • Take extra care when riding across metal objects in the street (manhole covers, construction plates, train rails, etc.), and on painted road surfaces. These surfaces are very slick, so use extra caution.
  • While riding, avoid potholes, puddles, or piles of leaves that may be covering an unseen hazard. When changing lanes to avoid debris in the road, make sure you do a quick shoulder check to look for oncoming cars or pedestrians, and use hand signals to indicate you are changing lanes.

What to wear when walking or biking in the rain

  • Try rain pants and a raincoat while biking or walking. There are rain pants specifically for bicyclists that taper more, but normal rain pants with a leg band work fine.
  • Wear a helmet for every bike ride.
  • Wearing a helmet with a cover while riding a bike can keep your head dry and cover air vents. Refrain from riding a bike with your jacket hood over your helmet, since the hood compromises your side view and creates a dangerous situation for you and others.
  • Use a sturdy umbrella for your walk, but don't hold an umbrella while riding a bike. You need both hands to steer, and wind can throw you off balance when riding with an umbrella.
  • Use light gloves for both walking and riding to prevent cold, wet hands.
  • Wear bright colors and reflective strips when riding or walking to increase your visibility to motorists.
  • Wear boots when walking to prevent your footwear from being ruined by mud and water and to keep your feet dry.
  • Keep a spare set of clothes at your office in case you do get wet and use a water-resistant jacket that can be folded and kept in your bag in case of unexpected showers.