Bicycle Services

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

2016 Santa Cruz County Bikeways Map

The RTC’s full color bikeways map shows bicycle lanes, bicycle paths and alternate routes within Santa Cruz County. The map contains accurate and updated information on bicycle routes as well as topographic features, major attractions, schools, bike shops, parks, campgrounds and hostels. Detailed insets of the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, Watsonville and the area from Santa Cruz to La Selva Beach are included. Key phone numbers, cycling resources and safety tips are shown in both English and Spanish. The 24″x36″ color map folds down to 4″x9″ making it easy to carry while riding a bike.

To download a copy of the map:
Side 1 – countywide map
Side 2 – local cities map

Note: file size exceeds 5 MB per side.
For a free printed map, pick one up at 1523 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, contact the RTC at (831) 460-3200 or e-mail info@sccrtc.org.

Bike Count Report

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) performed bicycle, pedestrian and motor vehicle counts at 10 locations throughout the county on Thursday, October 16, 2014. The October 2014 Bicycle, Pedestrian, Vehicle Occupancy and Motor Vehicle Count Report provides bike and mode split count results. This data was collected in order to measure bicycle ridership and pedestrian trends to monitor the progress of our county in moving towards a more sustainable transportation system.

In May 2012, the RTC partnered with the County of Santa Cruz Community Traffic Safety Coalition (CTSC) and the University of California Santa Cruz Impact Designs: Engineering and Sustainability through Student Service (IDEASS) program to perform bicycle, pedestrian and motor vehicle counts. The May 2012 Bike and Pedestrian Count Report provides a summary of the results of the May 2012 count, bike count trend data collected by the CTSC over the last ten years, recommendations for future count methodologies and a collection of the bike count data that has been collected in the county since 2000 during either the morning or evening commute periods.

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.

Three Feet for Safety Act

Sign: State law pass bike 3 ft minVehicle Code 21760 “Three Feet for Safety Act” went into effect on September 16, 2014. This new code requires  motorists to give at least three feet of clearance when passing people riding bikes. When passing with a three foot buffer is not possible, this new law requires drivers to slow down to a safe and reasonable speed and wait to pass only when it was safe to do so. The new law will provide greater protections for bicyclists by recognizing their greater vulnerability and enforcing fines for infractions.

Bicycle Facilities

Bike Lockers

More than 100 bike lockers are available to rent in downtown Santa Cruz and at Pacific Station, Santa Cruz Metro’s main bus terminal on Pacific Avenue. Ten bike lockers are also available for use by commuters at the Scotts Valley Transit Center.

Additional Information or Resources

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.

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.

Other Community Bicycle Programs

RTC Contact

Cory Caletti
Senior Transportation Planner/Bicycle Coordinator
info@sccrtc.org
(831) 460-3200