Santa Cruz Bikeway
Calm, Connected, Close to home
The Santa Cruz Bikeway is an 11-mile, segmented bike route designed to minimize exposure to car traffic. A pilot created by your own neighbors, this safer, calmer bike route uses quieter streets, scenic car-free trails, and local shortcuts to connect neighborhoods.
Santa cruz Bikeway: A Collaborative vision for a low-stress option
explore the route
Santa Cruz Bikeway
While the route can be ridden both directions, it is optimized to be ridden counterclockwise and provides a core route that riders can use to connect other parts of their trips.*
Preview the route
Explore the route by segment with our Point-Of-View cam and catch easy-to-miss turns with these route video guides. Click the segment on the map below or cycle through the video gallery.
West Side
Starting on the West end of the High Street Pedestrian Walkway to the Bay St. & California St. intersection.
Boardwalk
Starting at the new Bay Street bike path at the corner of California St. and rolling over the trestle bride to East Cliff Drive.
Seabright
Starting at the Crossing at East Cliff Dr. to Hiawatha Ave, crossing over and up to Soquel Dr. and Park Way.
Morrissey
Starting at the Soquel Dr. & Park Way intersection, up and over to the Goss Ave. and N. Branciforte Ave. intersection.
North/Downtown
Starting at the Goss Ave. and N. Branciforte Ave. intersection, rolling over the San Lorenzo to the High Street Pedestrian Walkway.
What to Expect
Be advised, the route includes a variety of surfaces, connections, and transition points.* While comfortable for a confident cyclist, many parts of the route require some extra care, please always be aware when riding. That said, you might just find a new-to-you gem along this route too.
Cross with Care Segments
There are a few road crossings that require extra attention and care, and at each one there is a Rectangular Flashing Beacon to push and have flashing lights. You’ll find these at East Cliff Drive, Seabright Avenue, Water Street, and Ocean Street.
Transitions from bike lanes to sharrows
When the class 2 painted bike lane ends and you transition to a class 3 sharrow, it's time to take the lane to be prominent and visible in the travel lane for that segment.
Multi Use Paths
On narrower, shared used paths with pedestrians and other users, be sure to go slow, announce yourself when passing, use a bell, and respect different users and speeds.
Arana Gulch
Pedal through a beautiful open space free from cars, see cows and birds along the way.
Branciforte Creek Bridge
A hidden gem that takes you over a tributary of the San Lorenzo River. Look out for ducks!
New rail trail
Explore a quiet, car-free path, hidden from view from the road that goes along by Neary Lagoon and brings you out to the wharf roundabout.
Ride with Us
Not sure where to start? Join us for a guided ride to discover the Santa Cruz Bikeway with local experts.
Thursday, Sept. 04
Ride #1: Eastern Half of Santa Cruz Bikeway
4:30pm-6:00pm
Start & End at Arana Gulch — Meetup Spot
Join a facilitated group ride by Ecology Action staff with a ride leader and ride sweeper on the eastern half of the Santa Cruz Bikeway, learn about the route and why this pilot started, then explore the route with fellow community members. The route is about 6 miles and will take about 1 hour.
Friday, Sept. 19
Ride #2: Western Half of Santa Cruz Bikeway
4:30pm-6:00pm
Start & End at Entrance to new Westside Rail Trail — Meetup Spot
Join a facilitated group ride by Ecology Action staff with a ride leader and ride sweeper on the western half of the Santa Cruz Bikeway, learn about the route and why this pilot started, then explore the route with fellow community members. The route is about 6 miles and will take about 1 hour.
Share your thoughts
Did you ride the route? Tell us what you thought and help shape the Santa Cruz Bikeway.
Do you live along the route?
We want to hear from route neighbors too! Share your feedback here.
County-wide safe bike routes
Find other low stress routes in Santa Cruz, Aptos and Watsonville.
Learn More
Santa Cruz Active Transportation plan
Check out and contribute feedback to current action plans.
Learn More
*Disclaimers
- Participation in the Santa Cruz Bikeway involves inherent risks, including but not limited to, physical exertion, traffic conditions, weather, and road hazards. All participants assume full responsibility for their own safety and well-being during the pilot.
- All participants must comply with local traffic laws. Ecology Action is not responsible for any legal violations committed by participants.
- Cancellation or changes to the pilot schedule or route may occur due to unforeseen circumstances and notifications of any such changes will be provided as soon as possible on this website.