Bikes and Scooters
Biking to school is a great way to get the physical activity needed for healthy minds and growing bodies!
Partnering with other kids and parents to create a "bike train, "which is similar to a carpool, only it is a group of riders who commute together, is a great way to coordinate a safe biking route to and from school. When biking solo or in a “bike train”, make sure to follow these safety tips!
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![Image of the City of Thousand Oaks map from Google maps]()
Map Your Route
Plan the route to school from you neighborhood today!
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![red and blue helmet on bike]()
Use a helmet
Always wear a helmet that fits. A helmet should feel tight, but not cause discomfort.
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![teenager stopped on colorful bike]()
Pay attention
Keep your eyes on the road. Avoid wearing earphones or using your phone while riding.
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![person with helmet demonstrating left turn signal]()
Use hand signals
Learn the proper hand signals and use them all the time while biking.
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![teenager wearing bright pink shirt and fluorescent gloves on handlebars]()
Stop and look
Stop and look both ways before entering the street. Be sure to respect traffic lights and stop signs too.
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![two children and one adult wearing helmets riding bikes on sidewalk]()
Ride in the same direction
Always ride in the same direction the cars are going, even if you are on the sidewalk.
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![child and adult feeling tire pressure on black bicycle]()
Check your bike
Make sure your bike is in good shape; the tires are full and the brakes work.
Hand Signals are the Law
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Left Turn
Left hand and arm extended horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle.
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Right Turn
Right hand and arm extended horizontally to the right-hand side of the bicycle OR left arm extended upward and hand raised, as shown above.
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Stop
Left hand and arm extended downward beyond the side of the bicycle. This signal also works when you need to alert drives of a sudden decrease in speed.
Existing Bikeways Across the City
FAQs About Biking in Thousand Oaks
Are there any other bikeways being planned across the City?
The City has an ongoing program to improve mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout the community. Two planned projects in this program include Class IV bikeways along segments of Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive. Class IV bikeways, also referred to as separated bikeways or cycle tracks, separate cyclists and motor vehicle traffic with a physical vertical element. Please see www.toaks.org/construction for more details.
Where can I find a map of all the designated bikeways across the City?
A current map of all designated bikeways across the City, including Class I-III lanes and shoulders, can be found by visiting www.toaks.org/bike
Is there a program at the City that helps promote bike safety?
Yes, the City has the Bike Safe Program which is designed to educate the Thousand Oaks community about good riding and driving practices that help keep everyone safe on the road. The campaign focuses on youth and adult cyclists, with an emphasis on the importance of riding with the traffic, not against it. Learn more by visiting www.toaks.org/bike.
What is a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) and does the City have one?
A LRSP analyzes collision data, assess infrastructure, and identifies roadway safety solutions on a citywide basis. The City of Thousand Oaks has a Local Road Safety Plan that was updated in May 2021 and can be found here.
What is the safest bike route for my child to take to school?
Designating and finding the quickest and safest route to ensure students are safe and on time for school is important in promoting walking and biking to school. Get started today on creating the route best for your neighborhood here.
How can I report an incident that occurred on the road or sidewalk while my child was biking to/from school?
For emergencies, always call 911. For non-emergency incidents, please call (805) 654-9511