In partnership with the University Police Department, the Arcata Police Department will be conducting a joint safety education and enforcement effort aimed at encouraging safe biking and skateboarding practices on campus and throughout our community.
This initiative encouorages proper equipment and practicing mutual respect on the road. Under California law, bicycles, skateboards, e-bikes, and motorized scooters are considered vehicles and must follow the same rules of the road.
Key Safety Reminders
- Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic signals.
- Use lights and reflective gear when riding after dark.
- Obey all traffic laws and signals.
- Allow for a minimum of three feet between your motor vehicle and a bicyclist when passing, and if that is impractical, slow down to a prudent speed that will not endanger the bicyclist.
- Stay alert and make yourself visible (e.g. wear a reflective vest).
- Wear a helmet-it could save your life!
- Do not wear a headset, earplugs, or earphones that cover both ears while driving or operating a vehicle.
Please do your part to help prevent injuries and save lives. Whether you’re walking, riding, or driving, let’s work together to ensure everyone arrives safely.
For more safety tips, visit cityofarcata.org or nhtsa.gov.
This article appears in My Humboldt Life November 2025.