Resources & Info

Bike theft is a prevalent issue on college campuses, including Caltech. With years of experience battling bike theft on campus, we summarize several effective ways to mitigate theft risk:

• Use a high-quality U-lock. Cable locks can be easily cut within seconds.
• Prevent wheel theft by locking one wheel and the frame to a bike rack and use a separate cable for the other wheel
• When locking with a U lock, leave as little gap as possible. Space within the U allows tools to compromise the lock.
• If possible, store bicycle indoors, particularly after dark and overnight. Even U-locks can be compromised.
• Remove accessories such as lights. They are easily & often stolen.
• Vibration alarms can also be considered, and especially useful in less-trafficked areas.

We offer a theft-prevention package at the bike lab, where we replace your quick-release wheel skewers with special anti-theft versions, and permanently chain your bike seat to the frame for a small fee. U-locks can be picked up for free upon bicycle registration at the Transportation Office (see details below).

A 24/7 DIY bike repair station and air pump is located behind the Red Door Cafe. The pump was reported broken.

Cycling in Southern California is a mixture of beautiful scenery, ideal weather, along with a mix of good and bad cycling infrastructure as well as aggressive driving.

• Negotiating car traffic: Use bike lanes when available; all car lanes are legally bike lanes, but stick to the rightmost lane when possible; avoid sidewalks; always check behind you before changing lanes or turning.
• Night riding: Assume you are invisible to drivers—wear bright clothing and use lights, but remember bikes are small and lights can be hard to see.
• Road rage: Do not escalate—let drivers go; it's never worth risking injury to "win" an argument.
• Traffic rules: Follow all traffic laws—bicycles are not exempt, and police can issue tickets just like for cars.
• Public transportation: LA Metro buses and rails allow bikes on board.
• When to ride for leisure: Saturday and Sunday mornings have the lightest traffic and offer the most enjoyable riding conditions.
• Helmet use: Always wear a helmet.

The Caltech Tri Club has a wonderful list of routes as well as weekly organized rides: https://triathlon.clubs.caltech.edu/

If you like climbing, Chantry Flat Rd, Mt. Wilson, Mt. Baldy are local gems. Two long, dedicated bike paths take you directly to Long Beach along the LA river and San Gabriel River. LA's coast line from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach is also lined with a beach bike path for nearly 20 miles. Griffith Park (via LA river Greenway Trail) offers amazing roads closed to cars, as well as access to the Griffith Observatory. For a longer adventure, San Diego can be accessed via a 135 mile coastline ride.

One possible route (from Caltech to JPL) is: N. Wilson, Cordova, S Marengo, Colorado, Orange Grove, W Holly, Linda Vista, Oak Grove. Navigating around the Old Town Pasadena can be tricky as there are few quiet roads or bike paths. Taking the bus with your bike is another option.