Welcome to BIKE Santa Monica, a program designed to encourage active living by promoting fitness, wellness and a more livable community. 

Rules of the Road

Advice from the Santa Monica Police Department

• Wear a helmet. Individuals under 18 are required by law to wear one.

• Share the road safely. Bicyclists must ride on streets like any other vehicles.

Biking Etiquette

• When riding with other bicyclists, ride in a single line and communicate by hand signals or calling out to riders behind you.

Riding & Safety Tips

• Inspect your bike before going for a ride. Check handlebars, seat, breaks, tire pressure, reflectors and light.

• Ride to the right, staying a safe distance from the curb, gutters or parked car doors. Use bike lanes where available. Bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.

• Ride with traffic. Never ride against traffic - it is illegal and dangerous.

• Use hand signals and eye contact to communicate with motorists, other bicyclists and pedestrians. Watch for cars pulling out.

• Do things right - Don't pass on the right, make a left turn from the right lane or ride through an intersection from a lane marked for right turns only.

• Avoid pavement hazards and be on the lookout for sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, potholes and gravel.

• Learn to make quick turns and stops and always be ready to brake.

• Be seen. Wear brightly colored clothing and reflective gear, if needed. Don't ride out of view next to cars or the curb.

• Learn to look back over your shoulder and identify your blind spots.

• Never wear headphones.

For more advice, check out this guide to Better Biking Tips.