January 2023 storms caused HUGE damage to our beloved West Cliff Drive

On Tuesday 2/28/23, the Santa Cruz City Council will consider whether to approve the current street design on West Cliff Drive between Columbia Street and Woodrow Avenue, which features one-way car traffic and two-way bike and pedestrian traffic. This section of West Cliff Drive was damaged in the January storms, and there is no longer space for two-way car traffic and the bike and pedestrian path.
The City Council will also decide whether to move forward with planning for a formal pilot of this design, which will include neighborhood traffic calming on streets where car traffic will be detoured and a plan for community engagement. Tuesday’s meeting is the first step in the process, and if approved, City staff will come back to Council in May for approval to formally launch the pilot.
Bike Santa Cruz County supports maintaining and increasing space for people to walk and bike on West Cliff Drive. Our Open Streets events have shown the potential for people of all ages to walk and bike safely in a car-free environment and the community support for more car-free spaces. The pilot project on West Cliff will open up more car-free space for people to exercise and enjoy our beautiful coastline.
Please consider attending the meeting on Tuesday 2/28/23 or emailing citycouncil@cityofsantacruz.com by 5:00pm on Monday, February 27th to voice your support for the current street design on West Cliff Drive and moving forward with a formal pilot of one-way traffic.

Here are more opportunities for your input!
The city is conducting community outreach prior to the May presentation:
Community Outreach Opportunities
Here’s a sample letter – feel free to modify. And please consider making a donation to support advocacy for better bicycling!

Here are more opportunities for your input!
The city is conducting community outreach prior to the May presentation:
Community Outreach Opportunities
Here’s a sample letter – feel free to modify. And please consider making a donation to support advocacy for better bicycling!

Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
Please approve the staff recommendation for Item 23 on your agenda to approve the current striping plan on West Cliff Drive between Woodrow and Columbia and to move forward with a pilot for this design.
I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because…. and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. Creating car-free spaces helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.
Please move forward with the pilot for one-way traffic and continue to prioritize space for walking and biking on West Cliff Drive.
Sincerely,You!