WEST CLIFF CAMPAIGN

As the City of Santa Cruz closes in on approving a 50 year vision plan for West Cliff, we at Bike Santa Cruz County have been advocating for improved infrastructure prioritizing bicycle (and pedestrian) access by meeting with city council members and attending vision meetings.

Bike Santa Cruz County believes that creating a dedicated two-way bike path on West Cliff will increase ridership, improve the biking and walking experience on West Cliff, reduce user conflict, and increase enjoyment of our incredible natural resource.

In a city-sponsored survey, results consistently confirmed that pedestrian and bicycle access should be prioritized in the future design.  At a December community meeting, 95% of participants prioritized pedestrian and bicycle access, and only 39% prioritized a return to two-way traffic.  In a subsequent online and much larger survey, over 64% of respondents liked the idea of a protected bike path separated from vehicles along West Cliff Drive.

There is an opportunity to apply for funding to pilot a two-way separated bike lane and one lane for cars, along with neighborhood traffic calming to minimize impacts to neighborhood streets. We are asking Council members to support this grant application, and we will need your support at the April 9th Council meeting.

Here’s how you can help:

• Review the draft 50-year vision and share your support for safer access to West Cliff for all by signing our petition.

• Mark your calendars for April 9th, when the City Council will weigh in on the 50-year Vision. We will need people to attend this meeting to advocate for dedicated bike infrastructure!

• Donate to support our advocacy work!