26th annual Bike Week begins May 3

To: UCSC Community

From: Larry Pageler, Transportation and Parking Services

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to host the 26th Annual Santa Cruz County Bike Week, May 3 - 11, 2013. The Bike Week program aims to provide a safe, supportive and festive environment for local commuters to try traveling by bike. Once people take that first step (pedal?), they often find that cycling provides many benefits—from being environmentally friendly and economical to reducing stress and improving personal health.

On Tuesday, May 7th, TAPS and the Student Environmental Center (SEC) will conduct a bicycle safety campaign from 1-4:30 p.m., and will distribute helmets while supplies last, at the Barn Theater. Helmets are available to UCSC afflilates; UCSC student or employee ID card is required. Bike safety information and a cyclist survey will also be available.

On Thursday, May 9th, cyclists get a free breakfast at sites throughout Santa Cruz County, including three UCSC sites available from 6:30-9:30 a.m.:  the Main Entrance, the top of the Bike Path, and the Bike Coop at Quarry Plaza.

Beginning cyclists can sign-up to join an experienced cyclist to bike to the campus at 511.org's Bike Buddy program. Other resources to help you ride your bike safely are also available online. To learn more about the many events taking place during Bike Week, visit  http://bike2work.com/s_cruz

Check out one of the five Fixit bike self-repair stations now installed on campus. The Fixit includes all the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. Find locations and more information at the TAPS web site.

Finally, TAPS is compiling an email list of those who would like to receive campus- and bike-specific notifications (e.g., campus road or bike path closures, bike shuttle schedule changes, upcoming UCSC bike events or classes). If you are interested in joining that list, please send an email request to taps@ucsc.edu

Ride safe and have fun.