The UCSC bike class, formally known as The Culture and Community of the Bicycle, is a student initiated and student directed project. The class is funded by student fees through the Campus Sustainability Council, is overseen by the Student Environmental Center’s Transportation Campaign, and builds bicycles for distribution by the Campus’s free Bike Library. The class was created in 2008 by a group of students who had a vision of an inclusive and growing biking community working for the improved health, safety, and sustainability of the UCSC campus and community. Now in its fourth year, the class has moved from its previous location at Oakes College to Stevenson College. 

      The class is an integrative course geared towards inexperienced and beginner bikers. The class provides a thorough understanding of the culture behind the bicycle as well as an intimate knowledge of bicycle mechanics. Each student gains personal empowerment through the task of constructing a bicycle. An understanding of the history and philosophy of bicycling allows the students to explore the roles the bicycle plays in society and its connection to sustainability. With this knowledge, and through association with the Bike Library, students then have the opportunity to make real change by implementing projects in the community. Past projects have included a free on campus helmet giveaway, bike to work/school day booths, guerilla bike maintenance days around town, an alleycat race, an advocacy project in support of the King St. bike boulevard, and recycled bike part art projects.