Between the bicycle-friendly weather, the relatively flat terrain, and the environmentally-conscious ethos on campus, it’s no wonder that UC Santa Barbara has long been known for its bicycle culture. More than 10,000 people bicycle-commute between their homes and the university on a daily basis. With seven miles of Class 1 bike paths and more than 20,000 bike parking spots on campus — not to mention designated skateboard lanes — expect to see those wheels keep on turning for years and years to come.

student riding a bike near the library in 1962

Photo Credit: Courtesy of University Archives Photographs Collection, Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library

Where were you in ’62?

This photo of a student dressed for success and riding a bike near the library was taken on October 7, 1962, just four years after the campus moved from the Santa Barbara Riviera to its current location.

today's students riding bikes

Photo Credit: Matt Perko
 

Casual Rides

Today’s students make their way around the League of American Bicyclists’ certified Platinum-level Bike Friendly University, where backpacks are now ubiquitous and comfortable athleisure wear is de rigueur both on campus and in many professions.

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Fall / Winter 2021

Features


Transience, acrylic on canvas, 77" x 154", 2017, by Yumiko Glover

Elevated Reflections of Life

Researcher looking through the broken glass

Research Breakthroughs Fall/Winter 2021

Danae Miller, left, and Ila Lane are back in the Thunderdome this season

It’s Tip-Off Time