Sacramento State has implemented regulations along with the bright green bike lanes seen all over campus to promote a safer way to travel without a car.

The changes are a part of the Bike Infrastructure Project, an initiative aligned with the university’s Master Plan according to Tony Lucas, Senior Director of University Transportation & Parking Services.

Lucas said existing bike lanes on campus roads have been painted green and made visible to accommodate bicyclists who are not as confident on the road.

Roads not wide enough for bike lanes have adopted a shared lane convention also known as a sharrow. The convention allows bicyclists to take full use of the lanes along with vehicles in areas with a speed limit of 25 mph.

Eduardo Medina, 24, philosophy major and active cyclist said he is concerned about the shared lane convention adopted in certain areas.

“The area near the sports complex may be likely a problematic and unsafe area for bicyclists and vehicles,” said Medina.

Throughout campus, shared pedestrian and bike paths have been re-painted or created in designated areas such as Sinclair Road near the quad.

The University’s new policy established pedestrian zones in walkways that prohibit the use of any wheeled device in the interest of public safety, such as the walkway between Brighton and Humboldt Hall.

Medina did not agree with the new bike policy because it does not address pedestrians on bike lanes and felt that the policy is biased towards pedestrians.

Sociology graduate student Mayra Villareal, 26, has been actively riding her bike since 2010. She believes the pedestrian zones will not be effective without enforcement.

“People are going to do what they’re going to do,” Villareal said.

Individuals who violate the new policy will be warned and repeated offenders will be fined, according to Police Chief Mark Iwasa.

“Although it is not the intent of University Police to issue these citations, we do want to educate the students on these changes,” Iwasa said.

Currently, the dollar amounts per fine are being determined by University Police.

“At the beginning of the semester we will be educating students with short clips designed for motorists and pedestrians as well as on the use of the new bike racks we have installed,” said Lucas.

In addition, two bike compounds have been added on campus that will accommodate an additional 386 bikes and 40 skateboards and scooters.

“Community service officers will staff these two bike compounds, which will prevent bike theft and make bikers feel more secured when bringing their bike to campus,” Iwasa said.

Existing bike racks in the pedestrian zones have been removed and strategically reassigned to surrounding campus locations that are accessible to bike paths and buildings, Lucas said.

“This was a two-year project that involved a task force made up of UTAPS, the Public Safety office and other individuals,” Lucas said.

Lucas said the project was funded by the UTAPS alternative transportation funds and through a $10,000 donation made by Associated Students Inc.

The Bike Infrastructure Project also aligns Sac State with the Sacramento County Bicycle Master Plan. The goal of the project is to make Sacramento more safe, convenient and enjoyable for all bicyclists.

“By putting the green bike paths, we are connecting ourselves to the city,” Lucas said. “This is a very positive thing and we are truly laying the welcome mat for bicyclists.”