Discovering Davis: The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in America's Bicycle Capital and Beyond

In a nation where car culture dominates, Davis, California stands as a shining example of what a true bicycle-friendly community looks like. Known as the "Bicycle Capital of America" since 1964, Davis has pioneered infrastructure and policies that have made it a cycling paradise. Whether you're a local resident, a visiting enthusiast, or simply curious about exploring one of America's most bike-friendly communities, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the joy of cycling in Davis and its scenic surroundings.

Why Davis Deserves Its Reputation as America's Cycling Mecca

Davis didn't earn its platinum-level bicycle-friendly status by accident. The city has been at the forefront of cycling infrastructure development for decades, becoming the first city in the nation to create standardized bike lanes back in 1967. Today, Davis boasts an impressive network of more than 100 miles of bike paths, lanes, and trails winding throughout the city and connecting to surrounding areas.

The city's commitment to cycling is evident not just in its infrastructure but in its culture. With a population of approximately 70,000, Davis is said to have more bikes than people. On the UC Davis campus alone, you'll find thousands of students and faculty commuting by bicycle daily, creating a vibrant cycling atmosphere that's unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Navigating Davis on Two Wheels

The Davis Bike Loop

For newcomers to Davis, the Davis Bike Loop offers an excellent introduction to cycling in the city. This approximately 12-mile route circles the city along the Greenbelt, passing through parks, residential areas, and providing access to many of Davis's attractions. The loop is well-marked with distinctive signage and provides a safe, scenic route for cyclists of all skill levels.

The UC Davis Campus

The University of California, Davis campus is essentially a cyclist's dream with its car-free interior and extensive network of bike paths. The campus features several iconic bike-related landmarks, including bicycle-only roundabouts (or "bike circles") that were pioneered here for safety and efficiency. With over 20,000 bicycles on campus on an average day, UC Davis embodies the city's cycling culture.

Navigating the campus by bike is not only convenient but also offers a unique perspective on this beautiful university setting. Be sure to check out the UC Davis Bike Barn for rentals, repairs, and cycling accessories if you're visiting without your own bike.

Downtown Davis

Downtown Davis is extremely bike-friendly, with ample bike parking throughout the area. The city has installed hundreds of bicycle racks for public use, making it easy to stop and explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions in the heart of the city.

While downtown, be sure to visit the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, located in Central Park. This 8,000-square-foot facility honors over 130 inductees and displays an extensive collection of historic artifacts spanning over 100 years of American cycling history.

Essential Resources for Davis Cyclists

Bike Shops

Davis is home to numerous excellent bike shops catering to all types of cyclists:

• Ken's Bike-Ski-Board (650 G Street): Offers quality road and mountain bikes, repair services, and rentals.
• Freewheeler Bicycle Center (703 2nd Street): Specializes in road bikes, commuter models, and children's bikes.
• Davis Wheelworks (247 F Street): Caters to more serious riders with high-end road bikes and equipment.
• Green Bicycle Depot (965 Olive Drive): Provides used bikes at reasonable prices, including refurbished vintage models.
• B & L Bike Shop (610 3rd Street): Features entry to mid-level road and mountain bikes, commuter cruisers, and children's bikes.

Bike Rentals

If you're visiting Davis without your own bicycle, several options are available for rentals:

• UC Davis Bike Barn: Offers affordable rentals on campus.
• Ken's Bike-Ski-Board: Provides rentals of various bike types.
• B & L Bike Shop: Features rental options for visitors.
• Hallmark Inn: Offers complimentary bike rentals for hotel guests.

Repair Stations

Davis has embraced the DIY spirit of cycling maintenance with numerous self-service repair stations throughout the city and on campus. These Dero Fixit stands include basic tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, tire levers, and pumps, allowing cyclists to perform minor repairs and adjustments on the go.

For those who prefer professional assistance, all of the local bike shops offer repair services, and there's even a mobile repair option, Toby's Mobile Workshop, which brings bike repair services directly to you.

Exploring Beyond Davis: Epic Riding Routes in Yolo County

While cycling within Davis is a joy in itself, some of the most rewarding rides involve venturing beyond the city limits into the beautiful surrounding countryside. Here are some of the most popular routes for exploring the greater Yolo County area.

Davis to Winters Route (15 miles one-way)

This beloved route takes you from Davis to the charming historic town of Winters. The ride offers beautiful scenery through agricultural landscapes with views of the Berryessa Gap in the distance. Starting from Davis, head west on Russell Boulevard and connect to Putah Creek Road, which will lead you all the way to Winters.

In Winters, cyclists can enjoy several excellent stops including:

• Steady Eddy's Coffee House: A popular cyclist hangout offering great coffee and food
• Berryessa Gap Winery Tasting Room: Sample local wines in a welcoming atmosphere
• Buckhorn Steakhouse: A renowned restaurant for those seeking a heartier meal
• Putah Creek Café: A local favorite for breakfast and lunch

The Davis Bike Club organizes regular group rides to Winters, making this an excellent social cycling opportunity as well. If you find yourself too tired for the return journey, Yolobus Route 220 can transport you and your bike back to Davis on weekdays and Saturdays.

Davis to Woodland Route (10 miles one-way)

Heading north from Davis, this relatively flat route takes you to Woodland, a historic city with beautiful architecture and excellent dining options. Take Road 99 for a route with moderate traffic but adequate bike lanes, or choose Roads 98 or 102 for wider bike lanes but potentially more traffic.

Once in Woodland, cyclists can explore:

• Downtown Historic District: Features well-preserved buildings from the late 19th century
• Morgan's Mill: A great coffee shop in a historic building
• Gallery Coffee Roasters: Another excellent coffee option in a unique space
• Foy's Bike Shop: Connect with local cyclists and check out Foy's Riders for group riding opportunities

Davis to Lake Berryessa Route (48 miles one-way)

For more adventurous cyclists looking for a longer ride with some climbing, the route to Lake Berryessa offers a rewarding challenge. This scenic route takes you through Winters and continues along Highway 128 and Pleasants Valley Road to reach the lake.

This ride features:

• Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills
• Challenging climbs, particularly in the final sections approaching the lake
• A variety of terrain from flat farmland to rolling hills
• Options for swimming and recreation at the lake

Due to its length and elevation gain, this route is best suited for experienced cyclists with appropriate fitness levels. The return journey can be particularly challenging, so plan accordingly.

Davis to Sacramento Route (17 miles one-way)

For an urban adventure, cyclists can head east from Davis along the bike path that parallels Interstate 80. This route crosses the Yolo Bypass and continues into West Sacramento before reaching downtown Sacramento.

Highlights along this route include:

• Tree House Café in West Sacramento: A charming spot with outdoor garden seating
• Old Sacramento: Historic district with shops and restaurants
• California State Capitol: Impressive architecture and beautiful grounds

A major advantage of this route is that if you're too tired to ride back, you can take your bike on the Capitol Corridor Amtrak train for a comfortable return to Davis.

Davis to Dixon Route (10 miles one-way)

Head south from Davis to visit the town of Dixon, taking either Old Davis Road or starting on the Russell Bike Path before heading south. The route passes farms and orchards, offering a peaceful rural riding experience.

In Dixon, don't miss:

• Solano Baking Company: Famous for delicious baked goods
• Ruhstaller Brewery: An authentic brew-farm experience
• Pedrick Produce: A popular stop for fresh fruits and vegetables on the return journey

Annual Cycling Events in Davis and Surrounding Areas

Davis Double Century (May 17, 2025)

The Davis Double Century is one of California's most popular and well-supported double century rides. Covering 200 miles in a single day, this challenging event takes cyclists through Yolo, Napa, and Lake counties, featuring nearly 9,000 feet of climbing. The 2025 route travels northwest from Davis through Winters, around Lake Berryessa, past Clear Lake, and through the Capay Valley before returning to Davis.

Fourth of July Criterium

This exciting cycling race through downtown Davis has become a local tradition. Spectators line the streets to watch as cyclists navigate a short, technical course at high speeds, creating a festival atmosphere on the nation's birthday.

Foxy's Fall Century (October)

Another popular event organized by the Davis Bike Club, Foxy's Fall Century offers 100-mile, 100-kilometer, and 50-kilometer route options, making it accessible to cyclists of various abilities. The routes showcase the beautiful autumn scenery of Yolo and Solano counties.

Cycling Community and Resources

Davis Bike Club

The Davis Bike Club is an active nonprofit organization dedicated to cycling and cycling-related activities. They organize numerous group rides throughout the week catering to different ability levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists. The club also hosts multi-day tours, ultra-distance events, and provides valuable resources for route planning.

Bike Davis

Bike Davis is a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to promoting bicycling in Davis through advocacy, education, encouragement, and design. The organization works to maintain and improve Davis's cycling infrastructure and culture.

Davis Bike Collective

The Davis Bike Collective operates a DIY community bike shop called Bike Forth, where people can share tools, skills, and knowledge about bike maintenance and repair. This volunteer-run nonprofit helps make cycling more accessible to everyone in the community.

E-Biking in Davis: The Latest Trend

Electric bikes have gained popularity in Davis and the surrounding area, making longer rides more accessible to a wider range of cyclists. Several local bike shops now offer e-bike sales and rentals, including:

• Ken's Bike-Ski-Board: Features a selection of e-bikes for purchase and rental
• Freewheeler Bicycle Center: Offers e-bike options and service
• Davis Wheelworks: Provides high-end e-bike models and maintenance

E-bikes are particularly useful for the longer routes mentioned earlier, such as the trek to Lake Berryessa or Sacramento, as they help overcome headwinds and hills that might otherwise be challenging. Under California and local regulations, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (those that assist up to 20 mph) are generally permitted on bike paths and trails throughout the region.

Tips for Cycling in Davis and Yolo County

Weather Considerations

Davis experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. When planning your rides:

• Summer: Start early to avoid afternoon heat, which regularly exceeds 90°F (32°C)
• Winter: Be prepared for occasional rain and fog
• Spring: Enjoy comfortable temperatures and wildflowers along rural routes
• Fall: Experience pleasant riding conditions and harvest activities in the agricultural areas

Safety Tips

• Always wear a helmet regardless of your age or experience level
• Use front and rear lights when riding at dawn, dusk, or night
• Obey all traffic signs and signals
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it
• Use hand signals to indicate turns
• Stay alert for car doors opening in urban areas
• Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months

What to Bring

• Water bottles or hydration pack (at least 2 bottles on hot days)
• Basic repair kit including spare tube, tire levers, and mini-pump
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Cycling gloves for comfort on longer rides
• Snacks for energy on routes outside the city
• Phone with offline maps or a physical map of your route
• ID and emergency contact information

Conclusion: Why Davis Should Be on Every Cyclist's Bucket List

Whether you're a casual rider or a dedicated cyclist, Davis offers an unparalleled biking experience. From its extensive network of urban bike paths to the scenic rural routes that stretch across Yolo County, the region provides endless opportunities for exploration on two wheels.

What truly sets Davis apart is not just its infrastructure but its commitment to cycling as a way of life. Here, bicycles aren't just recreational vehicles but essential components of the community's identity and daily function. By visiting and cycling in Davis, you're experiencing a model of what sustainable transportation can look like in America.

So pump up those tires, adjust your helmet, and prepare to discover why Davis has earned its reputation as the Bicycle Capital of America. The paths are waiting, and adventures abound just a pedal stroke away.