Honda Fuels Safer, Smarter Travel at UC Riverside with Support for Micromobility Program
University of California, Riverside is redefining campus transportation through its Micromobility Safety Program, supported by a contribution from Honda.
As traffic safety concerns grow alongside the popularity of e-scooters, e-bikes, and other personal mobility devices, Honda has contributed $90,000 to help bolster UCR’s education and infrastructure around safe riding practices. The funding supports the university’s “Ride Safe, Ride Smart” initiative, a comprehensive campaign that combines workshops, device registration, public events, and campus-wide engagement to foster a culture of safety, health, and sustainability.
“This partnership with Honda is about more than funding,” said Denise Woods, Vice Chancellor for Health, Well-being & Safety at UCR. “It’s about shared values—community wellness, innovation, and equity. With Honda’s support, we’re able to institutionalize safety practices that will benefit not just our students, but the entire Inland Southern California region.”
UCR’s Micromobility Safety Program addresses a growing safety need. In just one academic year, wheel-related crashes on campus rose by 47%. The program tackles this trend head-on with bold goals: increasing safety knowledge among riders by 50%, installing one mile of new bike lanes, and hosting over a dozen student-centered safety events by 2026.
Honda’s contribution also enables the development of a new online safety course focused on e-scooter use—an emerging need as these devices now outnumber bicycles on campus. Additional efforts include the distribution of electric-rated helmets, support for traffic safety audits, and a popular Loan-A-Lock program to reduce theft.
“Building on our Safety for Everyone philosophy, Honda is proud to support UC Riverside’s micromobility safety efforts,” said Bobbie Trittschuh, charitable giving manager at Honda. “The University’s program not only improves traffic safety—it also empowers young people to move confidently and responsibly in the communities where they live and learn.”
With nearly 30,000 students and a designation as both a Hispanic-serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institution, UCR leads with inclusive excellence. Its micromobility initiative is no exception. Through partnerships with campus departments, local law enforcement, and student leaders, the program reflects UCR’s mission to serve its community with integrity, sustainability, and innovation.
As Vice Chancellor Woods puts it: “We’re not just teaching students how to ride safely—we’re building the infrastructure of a safer future.”