DAVIS HISTORY
How Davis became the first U.S. city with official bike lanes
In 1967, Davis created official city bicycle lanes, a pioneering move that helped shape the town’s identity and later U.S. bikeway standards.
The bike-lane story starts with local politics. In the mid-1960s, residents pushed for European-style bikeways as car and bicycle conflicts grew. The City Council approved bicycle lanes in 1967, and by late July the first official lane was created on Eighth Street between A Street and Sycamore Lane. Davis became the first U.S. city to install official city bike lanes.
1966Bike-lane advocates win seats on the Davis City Council.
June 1967The City Council approves the first bicycle-lane plan.
July 1967An official lane is installed on Eighth Street between A Street and Sycamore Lane.
Period1966–1967
EvidenceDocumented
Last checked2026-08-18
SourceCity of Davis — First Bicycle Lanes in Davis