MAY 2011 Retail Value $2.00 Bikes on Transit Preventing Bicycle Theft Rules of the Road Bicycle Advocacy Groups Santa Clara Valley General Rules: Locking your bike to a This is a summary of the bicycle provisions of the Bicycle Advocacy groups promote policies and provide input bicycle rack can prevent California Vehicle Code. Cyclists should check the on issues to local government, and organize events and pro- All bicyclists must pay the most bicycle thefts: Vehicle Code for more detailed information. The grams. They are also a great resource for practical bicycling • appropriate fare. However, Stevens Creek Trail complete Vehicle Code is available through the information. there is no additional Securing your bicycle California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). BIKEWAYS charge for bringing a Santa Clara and San MateoMi Counties South Bay using a cable lock or d bicycle onboard. Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of dl chain: • efie motorists. §21200(a) Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition ld Only human powered and Rd Date Completed MAP • 1. Use a cable or (408) 287-7259, www.bikesiliconvalley.org sealed dry cell or gel cell All persons under the age of 18 years must wear a 1922 The Alameda, Suite 420, San Jose, CA 95126 Bay Trail electric-assisted bicycles chain at least 3/8” • properly fitted and fastened helmet meeting ANSI, in diameter. are allowed. Snell or ASTM F-1447 standards while riding a bicycle Nine County Bay Area 400C 1.5 miles Garc 2. Use a key lock with §21212 (All persons over the age of 18 years are strongly i Bicyclists are responsible a Bay Area Bicycle Coalition (BABC) A • for loading and unloading their bicycles. a 3/8” hardened recommended likewise.) ve shackle with heel (415) 787-2893, www.bayareabikes.org e Crittenden Lane Bicyclists in a bike lane, on a roadway, or on the shoulder Amph Allow other passengers to board or deboard before and toe locking. P.O. Box 1121, Oakland, CA 94604 itheatre Pky 1990 • Avnio C • o Rd loading or unloading your bicycle. of a highway must ride in the same direction as traffic on n t h

n a lesto rleston Rd r A 3. Loop the cable or a the roadway. §21650.1 CA 82 A h C n lma St E Bicyclists must attend to bicycles not secured in racks E a chain through each Cl S • When traveling more slowly than the normal speed of County Parks & Areasam E Ca while onboard transit vehicles. ribbean of the , the bicycle frame and the rack. • oni R e Dr CE traffic, bicyclists must ride in the bike lane (where present) al arib eba Dnr Do not block doors, aisles, and stairwells with your 4. Pull up all slack in the cable or chain and make sure the Where You Can Ride dR or ride as close to the right as practicable on roadways lOd ifelddiM • o e aWy dl i bicycle while onboard. notn W lock is as high off the ground as possible. J without bike lanes, except: Paved Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails 399La Avenida av a D A r Avoid getting chain and sprocket grease on transit n W Middle a fiel E Jav 1. when passing another bicycle or vehicle. Park Name of Trail Total Distance (miles) e • S d a v R D vehicles and other passengers. Securing your bicycle using a “U”-Type Lock d 0.8 miles r A W ff Midd r le 2. when preparing to make a left turn. o Coyote Creek Parkway Coyote Creek 13.7 El C ts dleif Muddy bicycles are not permitted onboard at any time. 1. On bikes with quick-release wheels – release the front Rd 399A CA 237 g Dr

a kra

d n t tP • m e R ef

wheel and include it with the rear wheel and the bicycle 3. to avoid hazards that make it unsafe to stay this Los Gatos Creek Trail Los Gatos Creek 7.4 (Leigh Ave to Main St) o N eR Mof in i v 1996 Do not secure your bicycle to poles, light fixtures, pillars, d o n i o r lvd R R far right. tnA B frame when securing it to the bike rack. eal D o • CA 237

r e etc. at transit centers or on rail platforms. Penitencia Creek Trail Penitencia Creek 1.9e s r n Moffett Blvd d W r Lawrenc aTsm an D W Ta i sma d n e n Dr a l R lE 4. when approaching a place where a right turn is r a wo e 2. On bikes without quick-release wheels – position the lock C e CA 85 t a S r n r v i Rancho San Antonio Rancho San Antonio 0.75s m hS a foMf W D o r Always walk your bicycle on rail platforms and passenger a in St Ptteark r h d s through both the front wheel and the bicycle frame when authorized (for example, at a free right turn lane). A Ca S lv Whisman Parkm D • R o l s i F e of N B i platforms at transit centers. o Elli e la r h §21208(a), §21202(a) oth n Expres securing it to the bicycle rack. i i ffett W ll d a E o E x R tS M M N p artneC r l ddil Alm Unpaved Multi-use and Mountain Bike Trailso E 396A e

In emergency situations, please leave your bicycle on i x nao 0.9 miles

s p dleife u

R Ar Henry ick

Bicyclists should ensure it is safe, and give the appropriate n re d sw ev r

n P

s a s t • ot e board. • w Park Name of Trail a Total Distance (miles) yaws Creekside Park

Other tips: n Central Ave

signal before moving out of the bike lane. §21208(b) y d Ea a y

A R

F dv Ce na s e

t e Av n n

o lB tral Ex en an a w ue 1. Park your bicycle in a location where it is visible to as Almaden Quicksilver Mine Hill 5.2 e

S A h S E Vehicles may use the shoulder when traveling so slowly e p m W

a 1999 ress s M lihto n i aM • l n il id ud Bikes on VTA Buses many people as possible. w h Randol 4.3 e e as to impede normal movement of traffic. §21650(f) xE A e ro ay d A v W p le ev ilda Av

A f W h N i h

tn e e ev t o e s S l Castillero 1.0 a t Evelyn Ave d All VTA buses are 2. Do not secure it to trees, buildings, signposts, n E E sser Et S A w n Dana Street M La Bicyclists may ride on the shoulder of a roadway where Cl v R kesid o a n elyn a d oi m o R ue e handrailings, etc. • Ed R. Levine Agua Caliente y 0.6 (in County Park) M i r A East Duane Aven Drive equipped with exterior l n ve

it is not otherwise prohibited. §21650(g) d o e e R Landels Parkd E W 0.4 mi. E l v a e M N lae a Oakm racks that accommodate Calera Creek 1.75 e C u C ent de A e 3. Record the make, model and serial number of your evA nyl ral a Expre v d Pa On one-way streets with two or more traffic lanes, nu e two bicycles. Please Joseph D. Grant Hotel/Lower Hotel 4.2 Mountain View CA 237 e ssw yaws bicycle and keep it in a safe place. • W v ay e neC bicyclists may ride as near to the left as practicable. st El C t arl 2002 Stewart Drive r e vy A n yle v E W k r

make contact with the Canada de Pala 6.9 s w a d e

ya w sserpx E a

min r

4. Engrave a personal identification number of your choice R y Ma §21202(b)

o px h e operator before loading Pala Seca 1.6 d Yuba Drive R t f

e 0.3 E R a l East Arques

somewhere on the frame. Remember the number and its oi evE W Ave l ly o nue Sc Bo tto avelurd e n A ec or unloading your bike. Every bicycle ridden at night must have the following v Nor Foothill Pine 1.1 ve W

n A

Printing sponsored by the e n

location. This will help with identification if it is recovered. o N

v e

tn

• e

rwaL Friends of Stevens Creek equipment: Manzanita 1.3 e tn El Camino Real yr A 2008 d v R A eflo

A o

a 0.5 mi. n e

Trail with funding from t m Bikes on VTA Light Rail a G 6 M M 1. a white headlight, or a white light attached to the rider Smith Creek 1.0 no ari d

S aoR CA 82 S S evA W G 6 Microsoft Corp. M N l M Tips for Commuting by Bicycle illuminating the roadway in front of the bicyclist, visible Bonhoff .9 e t Each VTA light rail vehicle ev S n e Kifer Road Cuesta Dr Cu set Dar a lav Cuesta Dr rG A ad 2009E E is equipped with interior from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides Yerba Buena 2.0 ve y ly l nn n Plan your route in advance. However, you may need to ihta of the rider. Sleeper Ave 0.2 A racks that accommodate Los Huecos 1.8 u v • e d S S try out several routes before you find the most suitable one. Dale / Heatherstone M e Foothill Expr S up to four bicycles. Please Halls Valley 2.1 (bikes uphill only) v Roa 2. a red rear reflector visible from 500 feet to the rear. A

M 2012 (est) aL e t Sunnyvale lfe w a O o enter through the doors Ride a well-equipped bicycle. Be sure your bicycle is Bass Lake 0.4 n CA 85 W ld San F VTA Contact Information o t ranci r s W 3. white or yellow pedal reflectors. M h se co Ro N M ornoe St • ad Reed Ave ne t S N E c marked by a bicycle adjusted to fit you properly. For safety and efficiency, outfit el e adli Lexington Reservoir Priest Rock 2.1 (in County Park)S ssway A Cl M ve o If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this 4. white or yellow side reflectors on the front portion of I 280 n it with a bell, rear-view mirror and fenders (for rainy rides). xE e symbol. r Overgrown 1.0 (in County Park) p o oF e tS map, please send them to: the bicycle and white or red side reflectors on the rear d o

Racks, baskets or bike bags are also useful for carrying ser R aeR onima Jones 0.5 e l s portion of the bicycle, or reflectorized front and rear t Elliht w r Bikes on things. on West El Ca a Bikeways Map M D y Los Gatos Creek 1.5 (to Mainl Street) rpxe Legend tires. §21201.d E n

G W Remingto o n Dr d

E Reming t R VTA Marketing and Communications Maintain your bicycle in good condition. Check brakes Santa Teresa Joice 0.6 r Complete and up-to-date information on bicycles on

yawss a

• n m

It is illegal to park a bicycle on a sidewalk in such a way t in

oga regularly and keep tires properly inflated. Routine mainte-

d 3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134-1927 Caltrain is available at www.caltrain.com. Bernal Hill 1.3 R o R t Stevens Creek e

R

• oa v e

that it blocks pedestrian traffic. §21210. A al e ara

f

nance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself. d

l

y

email: [email protected] Vista Loop 0.55 S o

raM S raM

Trail W Bicyclists may not carry any package or article that Dress Appropriately. Wear a hard shell helmet whenever Mine 1.87 S • I 280 yvale • Wes Ftrem not Aven eu W Frem not Av e n E erFmon Av tenue VTA Downtown Customer Service Center you ride (required by law for bicyclists under 18 years of prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the Hidden Springs 1.1 W Fremont Ave Future Trail CA 82

Bike Lockers Sun

2 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113 age). Wear comfortable clothes in layers, so you can adjust handlebars. §21205. Coyote Peak 2.41 dR

S W

VTA provides two types to temperature changes on longer rides. Wear light-colored Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a head Ridge 0.6 ago t a r aS Access Point Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • F of bike lockers at vari- clothes and/or reflective accessories when riding in the Boundary 0.8 o dR eflo treet set covering both ears. This section does not apply to I 280 ot S h Vehicle Parking Lot on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Closed ill Expr e ent ous locations through- dark. l B

hearing aids. §27400. Fortini 0.85 a

v

L out Santa Clara County. e y Stile Ranch 1.4 ssway n

Combining biking with transit or a car will enable you to nuS Roadside Parking For trip planning and transit related information: • • It is against the law to ride a bicycle under the influence CA 85 travel longer distances. Consult the “Bicycles on Transit” Stevens Creek and Canyon 0.9 H of alcohol or drugs. §21200.5. o m ecnerwa 24-hour telephone information...... (408) 321-2300 Day-use lockers I 280 E section for more details. Upper Stevens Creek Rim 1.0 (upper portion) es Restrooms te

a rpx

d e

Multiple light rail sta- Grizzly Flat 1.9 R E oHm e etsad Road s emoH s t ead Road 650 & South Santa Clara County...... (800) 894-9908 Expressways: Bicycles are permitted on all Santa Clara d W Homestead Rd s

dR efl dR • aw tions now offer elec- Old Canyon 1.3 y ...... County expressways. The expressways generally carry Bicycle Advisory Committees Hearing-Impaired (TTY only) (408) 321-2330 yaws tronic bike lockers that high volumes of traffic at high speeds. Cyclists are there- Charcoal Road 2.1 (bikes uphill only) I 280 I 280 I 280 o CA 85 W Many local jurisdic- d

S s

provide first-come- R er VTA Bike Locker Information...... (408) 321-7520 fore advised to use caution. Although there are bicycle Pr nue dirge A ve s tions have a Bicycle nu p

N e

xE xE

first-serve access to d ...... [email protected] lanes on some of the expressways, the expressways am

h e

e

A Advisory Committee d

c

anyone signed up for n o

should only be used by bicyclists with advanced skills. n

z o e

a

rw ...... (BAC) comprised M Caltrain Information (800) 660-4287 www.caltrain.com W

the service. A nominal B a r l a

L On-Ramps/Off-Ramps: Bicyclists should exercise extreme oW N of local residents dv ...... fee, deducted from a • A y l TravInfo (Regional Transportation Info.) 511 511.org v caution in areas where freeway and expressway on-ramps who provide input e (For other transit agencies such as BART, ACE, , etc.) “smart card” is charged dR ef and off-ramps merge with local streets, as motor vehicles on bicycle issues Cree Bklvd St neve Stevens CreekB lvd s s C B keerdvlCupertino 0.2 Creek Blvd(East) for each use. ven Stevens This map is also on VTA’s website at tend to travel at very high speeds when approaching on- (and in some cases, Ste I 280

oF S o

ramps and emerging from off-ramps. t

pedestrian issues.) h 2013 (est)

www.vta.org/bike_information Locations with e-lockers include the following light rail y

i awss 0.7 miles

ll

B

stations: Alum Rock, Bascom, Bayshore/NASA, Branham, Bike Loop Detectors: l

The VTA Bicycle v I 280 d

e

• Blackberry Farm Park r Cottle, Evelyn, Great Mall, Ohlone/ Chynoweth, Penitencia At some intersections, p Moorpark Ave Pedestrian Advisory x

S d

E Creek, River Oaks, Tamien and Winchester. bicyclists can change ec The VTA Bikeways Map illustrates the bike lanes, multi-use Committee provides e 2009

A

n er traffic signals for their n recommendations Blvd za paths, and bicycle/pedestrian bridges throughout Santa McClellan Ranch Park w

a More information on the program is available at direction of travel by to VTA and the Santa Clara County Roads and Airports L Clara County. B lloi gne dR r y www.bikelink.org. placing the bicycle’s Department on bicycle and pedestrian issues and projects. a w William s s Rd

The map also rates the level of difficulty for selected streets. wheels on the loop s

e r

Meetings are held every second Wednesday evening of the p

The ratings were developed in a joint effort among VTA, Long-term use lockers detector. The loop x

E

month, and are open to the public. Contact VTA for more Friends of Stevens Creek Trail e local jurisdictions and bicyclists. indicator may or may c

M VTA also provides approximately 400 keyed lockers that n D www.stevenscreektrail.org e o details or visit the VTA website. iller yl not be marked. r dR e CA 85 w are assigned exclusively to the renter for the duration of the February 2011 a Road/Trail Closures A L v e rental period. Map Copyright 2011e OpenStreetMap vA

To find out about local road or bike trail closures, particu- a and contributors, CC-BY-SA go t larly during extreme weather conditions, please contact Local Jurisdictions www.openstreetmap.org araS Light rail station locations with keyed bike lockers include: BICYCLING SAFETY TIPS the respective local jurisdiction. See inside panel for phone Almaden, Blossom Hill, Capitol, Curtner, Great America, Stevens Creek Reservoir The county of Santa Clara The Friends of Stevens Creek Trail promotes community pride and involvement in the numbers and website addresses. Hostetter, I-880/Milpitas, Lockheed Martin, Oakridge, San and most cities within the DOs completion, enhancement, and enjoyment of the Stevens Creek Trail and Wildlife Corridor. Fernando, Santa Teresa and Snell. county each have a bicycle program that include some Obey traffic signs and signals Keep clear of the door zone Transit Centers and Park & Ride locations or all of the following: Bicyclists are required to come to Try to ride a door’s width away include: • A bikeways map a complete stop at stop signs and from parked cars. If you have to DON’Ts Camden/Highway 85, Eastridge, Main/Hale in Morgan Bike lockers or racks red signal lights. ride in the door zone, ride very Hill, Page Mill/El Camino Real, Santa Clara. For more • slowly. You have the right to ride Bike lanes, paths, or bridges information, please e-mail [email protected] or call • in the middle of a traffic lane if it Ride to see and be seen Never ride against traffic Bike safety and educational (408) 321-7520. is too narrow to share with a car. Use a strong headlight and rear Motorists are not looking for • programs Watch for cars pulling out. reflector or taillight at night or when bicyclists riding against traffic Caltrain Stations For more information, please visibility is poor. Wear light-colored on the wrong side of the road. Use hand signals Most Caltrain stations contact the specific agency Ride with both hands, ready clothes with reflective tape for extra in Santa Clara County as indicated below. Hand signals tell motorists what to brake protection. Reflective leg bands are you intend to do. Signal as a also offer bike lock- You may need to stop suddenly also effective. Campbell (408) 866-2105 www.ci.campbell.ca.us matter of law, courtesy, and self- ers. For information at unexpected times. In rain, protection. about bike lockers Cupertino (408) 777-3110 www.cupertino.org allow three times the normal Don’t weave between parked cars at the Blossom Hill, Gilroy (408) 846-0444 www.ci.gilroy.ca.us braking distance. Respect pedestrians’ rights Capitol, Morgan Hill Motorists may not see you when and Gilroy stations, Los Altos (650) 947-2780 www.ci.los-altos.ca.us Pedestrians on sidewalks and in you try to move into traffic. Use please contact VTA at Los Altos Hills (650) 941-7222 www.losaltoshills.ca.gov crosswalks have the right-of-way. extra caution on streets that allow Ride in the middle of the lane You may leave a bike lane When entering or exiting driveways, use of the parking shoulder as a [email protected] or Los Gatos (408) 399-5770 www.town.los-gatos.ca.us call (408) 321-7520. in slow traffic When a road hazard or other bicyclists must yield to pedestrians traffic lane during peak hours. Milpitas (408) 586-3225 www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov Don’t ride the line. Get in the obstruction exists in a bike lane, on the sidewalk. Never ride on the For information on bike lockers at Caltrain stations Monte Sereno (408) 354-7635 www.montesereno.org middle of the lanes at busy or you anticipate a motorist might sidewalk unless it is specifically permitted. If permitted to ride on the from Tamien northward, please contact Caltrain at Morgan Hill (408) 782-0008 www.morgan-hill.ca.gov intersections and whenever you turn across your path, you may sidewalk, ride slowly. Be especially www.caltrain.com or (650) 508-6350. are moving at the same speed temporarily merge with caution into Don’t pass on the right Mountain View (650) 903-6326 www.ci.mtnview.ca.us as traffic. the adjacent traffic lane for safety. aware of small children, the elderly, Motorists may not look for nor see Mountain View and Palo Alto Palo Alto (650) 496-6962 www.city.palo-alto.ca.us people with pets, people with disabilities and their service animals. a bicycle passing on the right. San Jose (408) 975-3206 www.sanjoseca.gov Avoid road hazards Additionally, other bike storage options exist at the Mountain Follow lane markings View and Palo Alto stations. For information on the shared Santa Clara (408) 615-3000 www.santaclaraca.gov Watch out for parallel-slat sewer Do not turn left from the right access bicycle storage shed in Mountain View contact: grates, slippery manhole covers, Choose the best way to turn left Saratoga (408) 868-1200 www.saratoga.ca.gov lane. Do not go straight in a lane City of Mountain View [email protected] or oily pavement, detour signage, There are three ways to make a left Sunnyvale (408) 730-7350 www.sunnyvale.ca.gov marked right-turn only. phone (650) 903-6311. sand, gravel and debris. Cross turn. Santa Clara County Roads/Airports (Expressways) railroad tracks carefully at right (408) 494-1382 www.sccgov.org/portal/site/rda 1 Like a vehicle: Signal, look back In front, or far behind, not beside! For information on the shared access bicycle storage room at angles. For better control as you for oncoming traffic, then move into To ensure drivers of large vehicles the Palo Alto Station contact: Bikestation at (562) 733-0106 Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation (County Bike Trails) move across bumps and other the left turn lane. Turn left when it is (buses, trucks and motor homes) or www.bikestation.org. (408) 355-2200 www.parkhere.org hazards, stand up off the seat. clear. can see you, stay out of their blind Regional Contacts Watch for cars pulling out 2 Like a bicycle: Ride to the far side spots. Never pass on the right Scan the road around you of the intersection, stop, turn, and Caltrans (800) 427-7623 www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/ Make eye contact with drivers. side. Ride far enough behind for the “Getting out of the car and onto the trail is the Assume they don’t see you until Keep your eyes roving constantly then ride across the street when the driver to see you, and at least four East Palo Alto (650) 853-3100 www.ci.east-palo-alto.ca.us you are sure they do. When the for cars, people, sand and gravel, light turns green. feet from the sides to avoid falling best way to see Santa Clara County’s beauty.” Fremont (510) 494-4535 www.fremont.gov sun is in their eyes, drivers may grates, etc. Learn to look back 3 Like a pedestrian: You can always under a large vehicle. Ken Yeager, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Menlo Park (650) 330-6600 www.menlopark.org not see you. over your shoulder without losing get off your bike and walk across your balance or swerving. District 4 and 2011 VTA Board of Directors Vice Chair Stanford (650) 723-9362 [email protected] one or both crosswalks. Yield to pedestrians.