QUICK REFERENCE
BEST OPTION: Bicycle (bring your own or Yellow Bikes for short trips) YELLOW BIKES: Green community bikes with "Yellow Bike" text - use & leave for others
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Do I need a bike? → Highly recommended - city is large, walking takes much longer
Where can I get a bike? → Bring your own, rent off-playa, or use Yellow Bikes temporarily
Is it safe to walk? → Yes, but bring lights at night and watch for vehicles on streets
REMEMBER: No bike rentals on-playa
See detailed bike guidance and transportation alternatives below
Also see:
B1: City Navigation (for route planning, address system, landmarks)
A2: Getting Help Fast (for bike lockouts, vehicle problems, emergency transport)
E1: Vehicle Policies (for Mutant Vehicle rules, accessibility vehicles)
C3: Practical Services (for bike/vehicle repair beyond basic maintenance)
Transportation decision tree:
Shorter distance (under 3 blocks) → Walking guidance in B2
Longer distance (over 3 blocks) → Bike options in B2, navigation help in B1
Mobility needs → Accessibility services in D1
Vehicle problems → A2 (emergency) or C3 (repair)
Bicycles (Primary Transportation)
Why Bikes Are Essential
City Size: Black Rock City spans roughly 1.5 miles diameter Walking Times: 20-30 minutes to cross city, 45+ minutes to outer camps Bike Times: 5-10 minutes to most destinations Terrain: Mostly flat, hard-packed surface ideal for cycling
Bike Requirements & Recommendations
Essential Features:
Wide/fat tires (better on playa surface)
Simple mechanics (fewer things to break)
Reliable brakes
Comfortable for extended riding
Required Equipment:
Lights: Front and rear lights for night riding (MANDATORY)
Lock: Secure bike when parked (theft does happen)
Water holder: Hydration while riding
Helpful Additions:
Basket or cargo area
Bell or horn
Spare tube and tire levers
Chain lubricant
Bike Safety & Etiquette
Traffic Rules:
Bikes have right of way over Mutant Vehicles
Yield to pedestrians
Ride predictably and signal turns
Stay visible with lights and reflective gear
Playa Considerations:
Dust can affect brakes and gears
Lock bikes even if they look unique
Don't ride through camps without permission
Respect art installations and gathering spaces
Yellow Bikes (Community Bike Program)
What Are Yellow Bikes?
The Yellow Bike Program is a free, community-operated bike-sharing initiative that deploys a fleet of simple Huffy Cranbrook cruisers painted green but labeled "Yellow Bike" for easy recognition across Black Rock City. These bikes are available to everyone: riders simply grab a bike, ride to their destination, and leave it in a visible spot for the next participant to use, embracing communal responsibility and preventing bike hoarding.
Appearance: Bright green bicycles with "Yellow Bike" text Purpose: Community shared transportation Management: Black Rock Community Transit (aka “Community Yellow Bike Shop”) at 5:30 & D Philosophy: Use it, then leave it for the next person
How Yellow Bikes Work
Find a Yellow Bike: Look for green bikes with "Yellow Bike" marking
Ride to destination: Use for one-way transportation only
Leave in open area: Park where others can easily find it
Don't keep it: Not for personal use throughout the event
Yellow Bike Rules
DO:
Share with everyone in the community
Leave in open, visible areas for others
Report broken bikes to Black Rock Community Transit (5:30 & D)
Always wear pants while riding (common courtesy)
Help spread awareness of community bike rules
DON'T:
Lock or take into private spaces
Keep for extended periods or personal use
Alter appearance or swap parts
Take home with you (that's theft)
When Yellow Bikes Break
Minor Issues: Try to fix if you can Major Problems: Bring to Black Rock Community Transit (5:30 & D) If Abandoned: Leave where found; DPW will collect post-event
Walking Transportation
When Walking Makes Sense
Short Distances: Within 2-3 blocks – walking is the best way to get to know your neighborhood! Group Activities: When biking isn't practical for groups Art Exploration: Detailed viewing of installations Camp-to-Camp Visits: Social calls to nearby neighbors
Walking Safety
Whenever you leave camp, always operate under the assumption that it may be hours before you return… even if you are just headed to the portos. What would you bring with you if you knew you would be gone for hours?
Daytime Considerations:
Stay hydrated (bring water)
Wear sun protection
Watch for vehicles on streets
Use designated walking areas when available
Nighttime Requirements:
Lights are MANDATORY: Headlamp, flashlight, or EL wire
Reflective gear: Helps drivers see you
Group travel: Safer and more fun
Know your route: Easier to get lost in the dark
Walking Efficiency Tips
Route Planning:
Use curved streets for east-west travel
Use radial streets for direct routes to/from Man
Plan for shade breaks at plazas
Consider art installations as waypoints
Weather Considerations:
Early morning/evening for longer walks
Midday heat requires frequent water breaks
Dust storms require shelter and waiting
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Bike Recommendation Strategy
"Bikes aren't required but HIGHLY recommended"
"The city is much larger than it looks"
"Yellow Bikes are for temporary use, not week-long loans"
"Repair camps are gifts - be patient and grateful"
Common Transportation Problems
"I don't have a bike": Yellow Bikes for short trips, plan to walk more, ask camps about extras
"My bike is broken": Check C3, some offer 24-hour service
"Walking takes forever": That's accurate - plan extra time or consider bike alternatives
Managing Expectations
Safety Reminders for Participants
Lights at night: Not optional, required for visibility
Hydration while traveling: Especially for walking or long bike rides
Vehicle awareness: Streets have Mutant Vehicle traffic
Group travel benefits: Safer, more fun, easier navigation