Bicycle Services & Resources
Towards its goal of creating an integrated multi-modal transportation network, the Regional Transportation Commission provides a variety of services to support bicycling in Santa Cruz County.
In addition to the programs administered directly, the RTC is also the major funder of the following programs: Bike To Work, Community Traffic Safety Coalition and South County Bike/Ped Work Group, and Ride ‘n Stride. These programs provide safety education and promote bicycling as transportation.
Bicycle Resources
RTC Bicycle Map
The RTC’s full color bikeways map shows bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and alternate routes within Santa Cruz County. With topography as well as accurate and updated information on bicycle routes, the 24 x 36 inch color map folds down to 4 x 9 inches making it easy to carry while riding a bike. Detailed insets of the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, Watsonville and the area from Santa Cruz to La Selva Beach feature major attractions, schools, bike shops, parks, campgrounds and hostels. Key phone numbers, cycling resources and safety tips are shown in both English and Spanish.
For a free printed map, contact the RTC at (831) 460-3200 or e-mail
To download a copy of the 24″ x 36″ map:
Side 1 - countywide map
Side 2 - local cities map
Note: file size exceeds 5 MB per side.
Bicycle Safety
Reporting Bicycle Hazards
Notify us of obstacles or hazards that may inhibit bike or pedestrian travel by using the RTC’s Hazard Report. Reports are forwarded to the appropriate local jurisdiction for action and may be submitted at any time.
Bicycle Facilities
Bikes Secure – Subsidized bicycle parking
Through this program, the RTC provides subsidies to install bicycle parking racks. The Commission has worked with hundreds of private and public organizations, agencies, and businesses to create thousands of new bike parking spaces around the county. In 2008, the RTC received renewed funding for the program through a grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District.
To apply, fill out information, sign and send in the Bikes Secure application (guidelines included). Applications may be submitted any time and will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Bicycle Committee.
Bike Lockers
Ten bike lockers are available for use by commuters at the Scotts Valley Transit Center. Call Commute Solutions at 429-POOL if you are interested in using a locker on a regular basis. Bike lockers provided by the City of Santa Cruz are also available throughout the downtown area and at Pacific Station, Santa Cruz Metro’s main bus terminal on Pacific Avenue.
Additional Information or Resources
- Bicycle Licensing – Bicycle licensing requirements in Santa Cruz County by jurisdiction.
- Reporting Incidents to Law Enforcement – Cyclists are encouraged to report incidents and collisions with motorists, other cyclists or pedestrians to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Ordinances in Santa Cruz County regarding bicycling on sidewalks
- Total Bikeway Miles in Santa Cruz County (Updated 2010)
- “What Motorists Want Bicyclists to Know/What Cyclists Want Motorists to Know” brochure
Bicycle Planning Resources
Bicycle Transportation Plans in Santa Cruz County
The RTC works with local jurisdictions to develop and certify Bicycle Transportation Plans. Adopted Bicycle Transportation Plans are required for local agencies to apply for Bicycle Transportation Account grant funding. The following local jurisdictions have adopted bicycle plans.
- City of Capitola Bicycle Plan
- City of Santa Cruz and UC Santa Cruz 2008 Bicycle Transportation Plan
- County of Santa Cruz 2011 Bicycle Transportation Plan
Bicycle Facility Planning and Design Guidelines
Reference guidelines are available to planners, advocates and the public to further understanding of bicycle facilities planning and design parameters. Please contact the Bicycle Coordinator regarding use and applicability of the guidelines linked below.
- AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
- Basic Improvements for Bicyclists
- Bicycle Parking Guidelines
- Bike Boulevards
- Caltrans Deputy Directive 64 R1 Complete Streets – Integrating the Transportation System. This applies only to state highways.
- California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
- Caltrans Guidelines for Detector Loops
- Caltrans Guidelines for Drain Grates
- Caltrans Highway Design Manual Chapter 1000 – Bikeway Design
- Caltrans Roundabout Design Information
- Contra Costa County’s Trail Design Resource Handbook
- Guide to Bicycle Project and Program Funding in California
- Rails with Trails
- Shared Lane Pavement Markings
- Valley Transportation Authority’s Bicycle Technical Guidelines
- Road Construction Guidelines: The Recommended Guidelines to Protect the Safety of Bicyclists, Pedestrians and Disabled Travelers during Road Construction was designed to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in road construction projects.
Other Community Bicycle Programs
- Ecology Action Transportation Programs
- People Power
- Project Bike Trip
- Bike Church
- The Hub for Sustainable Transportation
RTC Contact
Cory Caletti
Senior Transportation Planner/Bicycle Coordinator
(831) 460-3200


