Santa Cruz just took a bold step toward a cleaner, safer, and more connected future with the successful launch of the Santa Cruz Bikeway—an 11-mile, low-stress bike route designed to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This pilot project, delivered by Modo, powered by Ecology Action and championed by a local philanthropist, reflects our shared mission: advancing equitable community climate solutions in high-GHG-emitting sectors.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Climate Action
The Bikeway was born from a simple but powerful idea: create a route that minimizes exposure to car traffic while connecting neighborhoods through scenic, car-free trails and quieter streets. By reducing barriers to biking, we’re not just promoting active transportation; we’re fostering healthier communities and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
What We Built
The Bikeway features:
- 11-mile segmented loop optimized for short, 2–3 mile rides.
- 160+ branded wayfinding signs with route arrows, QR codes, and neighborhood maps.
- A robust digital toolkit, including an interactive map, explainer videos, and dedicated landing page
- Two community group rides, that turned the route into a shared experience and helped generate feedback on the route.
Impact by the Numbers
The pilot ran from August 8 to October 8, 2025, and the results speak volumes:
- 86% of surveyed riders felt safe on the route.
- 56% said the Bikeway encouraged them to ride more often.
- 95% want more routes like this in Santa Cruz.
These metrics confirm what we’ve long believed: when you make biking safer and more enjoyable, people embrace it.
Why It Matters
Transportation accounts for nearly 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in Santa Cruz County. By creating low-stress biking options, we’re tackling climate change at the local level while improving quality of life. This is about more than infrastructure—it’s about connection, resilience, and innovation.
What’s Next
The success of the Santa Cruz Bikeway is just the beginning. We’re sharing our learnings to help other communities replicate this model. Visit letsmodo.org/bikeway to explore the route, access resources, and see how you can bring a Bikeway to your neighborhood.
Together, we’re proving that climate solutions can be joyful, practical, and community-driven. Here’s to keeping the momentum rolling—one pedal stroke at a time.
