City of Davis To Recognize Its Bicycle Lane Pioneers With A May 12 Event

DAVIS, CA -- The City of Davis is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Davis bicycle lanes with a special event scheduled for 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 12 at the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame at 303 Third Street in Central Park (corner of Third & B Streets).

The public is invited to this free special recognition event and reception, during which the original community members and city staff who helped create the first Davis bicycle lanes will be recognized. Family members representing deceased pioneers have also been invited to the celebration.

The first official bicycle lanes in the United States were created in Davis in 1967 following legislation that allowed them was signed by then California Gov. Ronald Reagan. The specifications for creating the first bicycle lanes in Davis were subsequently adapted as standards by the California Department of Transportation and by other states across the nation. After the first bicycle lanes were created on Third Street, Sycamore Lane, West Eighth Street, and L Street the City continued to incorporate bicycle lanes and paths in all subsequent neighborhoods.

This 50th anniversary event is being presented by the City of Davis as part of its Centennial Celebration, the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame and May is Bike Month.

Image via City of Davis