The California Highway Patrol acts as the state police for California. In addition to their well known role enforcing traffic law on California highways, CHP officers patrol the State Capitol building and other state facilities throughout the downtown area. Mounted patrols and bicycle patrols are perfect for the alleyways and numerous small parks in Sacramento’s downtown.

After asking for directions to the Hyatt (which took me the wrong way down a one-way street), I asked these officers if sidewalk riding is legal in Sacramento. “Technically no,” responded the office looking at me, “but if you’re riding at walking speed I’m not going to hassle you about it.”