Bike Program
The Office of State Programs (OSP) within the Division of Local Assistance (DLA) is responsible for coordinating many bicycle and pedestrian activities for Caltrans. In keeping with the Caltrans Strategic Management Plan 2020-2024, OSP staff strives to fully integrate bicycles into all aspects of the California transportation system and to improve safety and convenience for bicyclists on state and local facilities. To do this, the DLA provides policy, planning, and technical expertise in bicycle transportation in consultation with federal, state, and local transportation agencies, Caltrans headquarters, District staff, legislative staff, bicycle advocates, and the public. We envision connected networks of bikeways that fit well with other transportation modes, increase safe transportation options for California citizens, and lessen the carbon footprint of California transportation. OSP staff helps facilitate May is Bike Month events, as well as manages the employee bikeshare program and assists with Active Transportation Program (ATP)/Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) activities for non-infrastructure projects and plans.
Complete Streets Hub
The Office of Complete Streets (OCS) leads complete streets planning and policy. The OCS engages partners, advocates, and communities to improve linkages between land use planning, community values, transportation planning, decision-making, and transportation project delivery to achieve a more sustainable transportation system. “Complete Streets” is a concept that describes designing streets to accommodate all modes of transportation in a safe manner. A complete street accommodates persons of all ages and abilities walking, bicycling, using transit, and driving. Complete streets design elements will vary based on context and goal; however, many complete streets will include elements such as bike lanes and high visibility crosswalks that can be incorporated into traditional roadway infrastructure projects.
Non-Motorized Facility Report
The Active Transportation/Non-Motorized Facilities provides an overview of the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) active transportation initiatives and related funding programs, as required by Streets and Highways Code Section 887.4. Active transportation primarily includes human powered forms of roadway use and active transportation infrastructure consists of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities that vary depending on location and facility type. This report covers the State of California’s leadership on active transportation, active transportation safety and Caltrans commitment to a safe and reliable transportation system for all active transportation roadway users, equity within Active Transportation, active transportation design initiatives, and more.
- Active Transportation in California: The Non-Motorized Report Fiscal Year 2017-18 (PDF)
- Active Transportation in California: The Non-Motorized Report to the Legislature Fiscal Year 2015-16 (PDF)
- Active Transportation in California: The Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities Report to the California State Legislature Fiscal Year: FY 2014–15 (PDF)
U.S. Bicycle Route System
The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a national network of designated bicycle routes connecting urban and rural communities through signed roads and trails. The USBRS was established in 1978 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) with the goal of identifying and establishing preferred routes more suitable for bicycling. These routes create opportunities for people everywhere to bicycle for travel, transportation, and recreation.
Caltrans is the AASHTO-designated lead for the State of California. Caltrans coordinates with Adventure Cycling Association, which provides technical assistance and resources, to support development and establishment of new USBRS routes in California.
Bicycle Friendly State
The League of American Bicyclists is the grassroots movement to create safer roads and stronger communities. The League promotes bicycling through education, advocacy, and promotion. The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program (BFA) provides advocates and change makers with a roadmap and hands-on assistance to build places more welcoming to people who bike. The BFA program sets standards of bike-friendliness in categories such as infrastructure and funding, education and encouragement, traffic laws and practices, policies, and planning, and ranks and recognizes states, communities, businesses and universities based on how well they encourage bike-friendliness in each category.
Caltrans Headquarters was recognized with a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business award by the League of American Bicyclists in September 2024. Through the Bicycle Friendly Business program, employers are recognized for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers and the community. Learn more about the efforts to build a more Bicycle Friendly America and view all 2024 recognitions here:
Events
Additional Links
- Bicycle Related Sites, Maps & Publications
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Contacts
- Bicycle Commuting & Safety
- Codes, Laws, and Regulations
- Guidelines, Manuals, Policies & Reports
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Alward(916) 591-4909