Walking & Biking

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PROGRAM

Our mild climate and flat terrain provide an ideal environment for bicyclists and pedestrians. We build facilities and operate programs to support bicycling and walking.

We also coordinate with other City programs to enhance bicyclist and pedestrian safety around schools and in neighborhoods.

Bike lane issues

Is something blocking your bike lane or otherwise making it unusable? Use the table below to know how to report it. Response times will vary depending on the urgency of the issue, staffing capacity, and the status of other ongoing requests.

How to report bike lane issues

issue	action
Glass, debris, or trash in sidewalk or bike lane	Call DOT Dispatch 408-794-1900
Car parked in bike lane or sidewalk	Call 311 OR police non-emergency 408-277-8900
Bollard down	Call DOT Dispatch 408-794-1900
Bike lane painting/striping unclear or faded	Call DOT Dispatch 408-794-1900
Flooding or sewage back-up in bike lane	Call DOT Dispatch 408-794-1900
Trash cans or dumpsters in bikeway	Call 311 and provide address
Streetlight down in bike lane or sidewalk	Call DOT Dispatch 408-794-1900
Down power line in street, bike lane, or sidewalk	Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume the power line is live. Leave the area and call 911 immediately.
Pothole or other pavement issue in bike lane	Call DOT Dispatch 408-794-1900
Issue on walking or biking trail	Call 311 or report on 311 app. Other less urgent concerns email: park.concerns@sanjoseca.gov For emergencies (violence, fires) call 911

BETTER BIKE PLAN 2025

In October 2020, the San José City Council approved Better Bike Plan 2025. The plan seeks to make bicycling safe and convenient for all ages and abilities in all parts of the city. This will be accomplished by building new bikeways, enhancing existing bikeways, and implementing supportive programs and policies.

Visit the Better Bike Plan 2025 webpage for more information and to view the plan.

Projects

To take a look at our bike projects for the year, visit the Annual Bikeway Projects page.

Learn about current and future bike, pedestrian, and other safety projects on our Projects and Planning page.

As of spring 2021, the City has completed approximately 400 miles of on-street bikeways and 62 miles of off-street trails.

The design and construction of on-street bikeways is done with the support of San Jose residents, local leaders, and our annual pavement maintenance program. We expand our network year after year using government grants. Grant money pays for the paint and plastic posts we use to keep you safe while biking on San Jose‘s streets. These "quick-build" materials are affordable and easy to install, which helps us deliver our bikeway projects on time and under budget.

Awards

In December 2022, San José was recognized as Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). BFC is a nationwide program that evaluates a community’s efforts to promote safe and accessible biking.

From our previous bronze designation San José has moved up the ranks to become one of 19 silver level Communities in California. This award was determined by an extensive application, as well as consultation with local bike riders and advocates.

Updates

8/12/2021: City of San José Active Transportation Manager recognized by national professional organization.

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FAQs

What are these electric scooters I see on streets and sidewalks in San Jose?

Under state law, these are called "motorized scooters." They generally have two small wheels, a platform to stand on, and a small electric motor. (California Vehicle Code 407.5)
Who owns and operates these motorized scooters? Are they part of a City program?

The City of San José does not own or operate these scooters or programs. They are owned and operated by private companies offering shared scooter programs. Users can check out a scooter from any location, use it for a short period of time, and park it at their destination where other users can then check them out. Scooters are meant for short trips and are meant to be used among many different people per day. For more information, go to the company websites listed below.
Where are people allowed to use and park motorized scooters?

Under state law, motorized scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks. They may be ridden on city streets. If the city street has a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph, they must be ridden in a bike lane. Scooters may currently be parked on sidewalks, so long as they do not block driveways, building entrances, curb ramps, or utilities such as fire hydrants.
What other rules or laws apply to these motorized scooters?

Under state law, to use a motorized scooter, you must have a California Drivers License or instruction permit. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Only one person may use a motorized scooter at a time, and you can't carry packages while using a motorized scooter (California Vehicle Code 21235). In addition to these state law requirements, the City of San José recently passed an ordinance and approved Administrative Regulations governing deployment of shared micro-mobility systems in the City.
How do you get access to use one of these motorized scooters?
Go to the owner/operator's website to learn their requirements:
- LimeBike
- Bird
How do I report a problem or a concern?
Questions and concerns should go directly to the customer service of each company.
- LimeBike: support@limebike.com, or 1 (888) LIME-345
- Bird: hello@bird.com, 1 (866) 205-2442

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