A comprehensive three-year program designed to educate thousands of daily University of California, Davis, bicycle commuters about bicycle safety will be launched next month on campus. Among the primary goals of the safety program will be to reduce the risk of serious head and body injuires by achieving a 10 percent increase each year in helmet use, as well as increased compliance with bicycle lighting and visibility regulations. Other facets of the program will soon include an academic course called "effective cycling" that covers safety, equipment and maintenance, and an annual "bike expo" to celebrate cycling in Davis. The program was developed through the Cowell Student Health Center with support from a grant from the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency's Office of Traffic Safety. Last year, according to health center statistics, more than 400 people went to the student health center complaining of injuries suffered in bicycle accidents on campus, said Michelle Morello, bicycle safety and injury prevention program coordinator at the student health center. Efforts to address bicycle safety issues on campus in the past have been limited by available staffing and resources. Two campus units, the Police Department and Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS), supervise all bicycle operations at UC Davis. The police are responsible for the enforcement of all bicycle traffic and equipment regulations, and TAPS handles licensing, bicycle parking enforcement and the promotion of bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation. "Not enough students use helmets, wear reflective clothing or have adequate reflectors or lights for evening riding," said Morello. "Also, many students are not aware of the applicability and enforcement of state vehicle laws for bicycles for such things as speed limits, pedestrian rights-of-way and observation of road signs." The campus has begun training volunteer safety educators who will provide information on bicycle safety issues, equipment and regulations to student groups and campus organizations, as well as new and returning students. In the future, the program plans to institute a bicycle traffic school for those riders who have received bicycle citations. UC Davis was the only educational institution in the state to receive such a state grant this year, and it also will become possibly the first campus in California to develop a comprehensive bicycle safety education program, according to Morello. The Police Department, TAPS and the Student Health Center are jointly supporting the campuswide effort.