Bicycle Citation & Safety Class FAQs

What does the Bike Safety class have to do with my bike ticket?
If you have not previously been issued a bicycle citation within the last 18 months you may attend a Bike Safety class in lieu of appearing in court and, possibly, being ordered to pay a fine. This class is not mandatory, but if you choose to attend you must register and attend a Bike Safety class within 30 days of the date on your citation.
Can I just show up to a Bike Safety Class?
Bike Safety Presentations are open to everyone; however, you must register to attend the class; walk-ins are not accepted as seating is limited.
When should I sign up for a Bike Safety Class?
Immediately upon receiving your citation or as soon as possible. Registration is required to reserve your spot in a class. Seats are not guaranteed and classes are filled on a first come first served basis.
What happens if I miss the class I registered to attend?
You will not be guaranteed a spot in the next available class. You will need to contact us at dps-bikediversion@lists.stanford.edu to tell us the reason for missing the class and to see if we can accommodate you in a future one. If you don't contact us, your citation will be forwarded to the courts for processing.
Can I attend a bike class every time I'm issued a citation?

No. You are only allowed to attend a Bike Safety class once every 18 months. If another citation is issued to you within this 18 month period, you will be responsible for taking care of it through the court.

If you attend more than the one class in an 18 month period, your attendance in the class will be null and void; your citation will be sent to the court for normal processing. It will be your responsibility to take care of it through the court.

What if my schedule doesn't allow for me to attend any of the advertised classes?
If you are unable to attend any of the advertised classes within the required 30 day period, it will be your responsibility to ensure the issued citation is handled according to the law. For example, going to court or paying the fine.
What happens to my citation if I don't attend a Bike Safety class?
If your citation was issued 31 or more days ago, it has been sent to the Court for processing by SUDPS. You will receive a Courtesy Notice from the Court once it is processed by them.
What is a Courtesy Notice?
A Courtesy Notice is notification from the court outlining the options in response to your citation, such as a court date, fine(s), and possible future penalties.
What if I don't receive a Courtesy Notice?
If no Courtesy Notice is received by the date noted at the bottom of the citation, the named violator should contact the court. Failure to follow up with the court concerning a missing Courtesy Notice will result in delinquency charges.
Is there any way I can still attend a Bike Safety class?
Only if you register and attend within the allowed 30 day period. After the allowed 30 day period, only with a mandate from the court.
How do I get a mandate to attend a Bike Safety class from the court?
You have to wait to receive your Courtesy Notice in the mail with your court date. Attend your court date and make a request of the court commissioner to allow you the option of attending a Bike Safety class in lieu of paying the fine.
What happens if my citation is not 30 days old yet?
You are eligible to attend a Bike Safety class. Remember, you are required to register and attend a class within 30 days of date of issuance of your citation.
What am I required to do while waiting for my Courtesy Notice?
Nothing. Once it arrives you will review it for all possible options. If you don't receive your Courtesy Notice within 4 months from your citation's date of issuance, contact the court. Contact information is located at the bottom of your citation.
What if I move between the time I was issued a citation and the arrival of my Courtesy Notice?
You are responsible for contacting the court with any change of address. If you do not notify the court, and miss receiving your Courtesy Notice, you could be found to be in violation for failing to appear and a warrant could be issued against you.
What happens if I don't attend a Bike Safety Class?
Your citation is held by the Police Department for 30 days. After 30 days has expired, your citation is sent to the court for processing.
What if I don't go to court and do not attend a Bike Safety Class?
After 30 days, your citation is sent to the court for processing. If you choose not to attend court on your prescribed court date, or pay your fine, a warrant could be issued against you for failing to appear.
Do I have an option to attend a Bike Safety class in lieu of going to court?
Only if you register and attend a Bike Safety class within 30 days of your citation's issuance date.
How can I get my bike citation dismissed?
  • register and attend a Bike Safety class within 30 days of your citation date; OR
  • go to court on your prescribed court date and successfully present your case to the court; OR
  • if mandated by the court to attend the class, provide your Letter of Completion to the court according to the instructions in your Minute Order.
How do I get a Letter of Completion?
You will receive a Letter of Completion after attending a Bike Safety class. Only those mandated by the court to attend a class will receive this letter.
What happens after I attend a Bike Safety class?

If you attend a Bike Safety class within 30 days of your citation date; your citation will be dismissed by the Police Department, by approval given to them from the court. You do not need to do anything else.

If mandated to attend the class by the court, a Letter of Completion will be issued to you and you must provide this Letter of Completion to the court according to the instructions in your Minute Order.

May I email or mail a copy of my Letter of Completion to the Court?
It will depend upon the direction you were given when you appeared in court. You may be allowed to mail the Letter of Completion. You should check with the court before leaving. You are not allowed to email it to the court.
Will I receive anything from the Court stating my citation has been dismissed?

Yes. Only if your citation was sent to the court and you successfully complete what was required of you as noted on your Minute Order. It is recommended you keep this letter in a safe place for possible future referencing.

No. If you attend the Bike Safety class.

Do I have to go before a Commissioner again to have my citation dismissed?

No. If previously arranged by the court at the time of your appearance. You may be allowed to mail your Letter of Completion to the court and await your letter indicating your citation has been dismissed.

Yes. If you have been given direct orders, via your Minute Order, to return to court with your Letter of Completion.

What if I elect to challenge the citation by appearing in court?
The court will either dismiss the citation, fine you for the citation, or issue a Minute Order mandating that you attend a Bike Safety class and that you provide a Letter of Completion to the court in order for the citation to be dismissed.
If you have any questions, please contact us via email at dps-bikediversion@lists.stanford.edu or by phone during office hours at (650)723-9633.
 

Bicycle Abatement FAQs

I think my bike got impounded... what should I do?

Without a sales receipt or license registration, you cannot make a claim that a missing bike is 'yours.' To make a claim to abandoned property is a legal issue. The bicycle abatement officer must be convinced beyond a doubt that the bike belongs to the claimant. No one may 'show up' at the bike impound lot to 'look' for their missing bike.

First step:

1. Email the Bicycle Abatement Unit (bike-abatement@lists.stanford.edu) a complete description of the missing, unlicensed bike:

  • Where and when it was last seen
  • Make
  • Model
  • Color
  • Wheel type
  • Accessories (basket, bell, light, fender)
  • Features to distinguish it from other bikes of its type (stickers, seat, condition, handlebars)

2. We'll contact you about scheduling an appointment during designated times to identify the bike if we find one matching your description.

Then, if found in impound,

  • A $40 storage fee may apply. Please pay with exact cash or check
Do I have to register my bike?

Both Santa Clara County and San Mateo County have rescinded the bike registration requirement that was previously in effect. This means that there is no law requiring that bicyclists register their bikes.

While there is no legal requirement, the Department of Public Safety strongly recommends that riders register their bikes, and has launched a new online bike registration program through Project 529 Garage. Once your bike is registered through Project 529 Garage, if your bike is stolen or missing, you will be able to use the Project 529 system to broadcast alerts and share a photo of your bike. Stop by the Department of Public Safety office at 711 Serra Street to obtain a free 529 Shield. The Shield is placed on your bike and acts both as a deterrent to would-be thieves, and also making it easier to find you if your bike is recovered.

You can register your bike online through Project 529 Garage whenever it is most convenient for you. The new registration process is free and allows you to upload a photo of your bike to verify ownership.

With this change, Stanford Transportation will no longer manage the bicycle registration program and bicycle registration events will no longer be hosted by Stanford Transportation on campus.

Bicycles that were previously registered by Stanford Transportation under the old system will still be listed in the database in case there is a need to access your prior registration information.

What if I lost my bike lock key?
The Department of Public Safety no longer removes bicycle locks. This duty has been handed over to the Campus Bike Shop, (650) 723-9300. They will charge a nominal fee.
If you have any questions, please contact us via email at bike-abatement@lists.stanford.edu or by phone during office hours at (650)723-9633.