For over two decades, the San Lorenzo River levee bike path in Santa Cruz has been a constant in my life. From my days as a graduate student at UCSC to commuting to my downtown software startup and now biking my daughter to the Tannery Arts Center on our electric RadWagon, my Santa Cruz Bike and this path have been intertwined with my daily routine. Biking isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s exercise, a connection with nature, a step towards reducing carbon emissions, and, fundamentally, enjoyable. The San Lorenzo River path should be a jewel in Santa Cruz’s green infrastructure, but unfortunately, a darker reality has emerged over these twenty years.
My commutes have exposed me to a troubling spectrum of activities along the levee bike path. What began as a convenient route has become a gauntlet. I’ve witnessed public urination, near-collisions, open drug use and dealing, violent altercations, and even more disturbing scenarios including bloodied individuals, erratic behavior, public defecation, and even the brandishing of weapons and prostitution. The recent shooting on the levee path was a stark reminder of the escalating dangers, a situation I narrowly avoided being present for.
My initial optimism was that increased bike usage would naturally lead to improved infrastructure and safer public spaces. I believed that by simply biking, and encouraging others to do so, the levee path would gradually improve. Sadly, the opposite has occurred. The current state of biking on the levee path is demonstrably worse than ever before.
During the pandemic and the aftermath of the CZU fire, a surge in encampments and makeshift shelters along the levee was understandable, a reflection of community need. While there was a mix of individuals, including those facing hardship, the current situation, even with fewer people loitering, is characterized by a more menacing atmosphere. The stretch of path near the bridge connecting Front Street to San Lorenzo Park is particularly problematic. My daughter now instinctively holds her breath as we approach, a silent plea to avoid witnessing something unpleasant or frightening. Often, navigating through groups requires persistent bell-ringing just to pass.
The underpass of Highway 1, a segment just before the Tannery, while less crowded, carries its own disquieting feel due to its seclusion. Drug transactions are a frequent sight. While my daughter is capable of biking to school independently, the levee path is unequivocally off-limits without adult supervision.
My patience has run out. The allure of emission-free commuting is fading against the backdrop of safety concerns. Regrettably, I’m being pushed towards choosing my car, contributing to pollution, and prioritizing safety over my commitment to green transportation. The river path, once a cherished route, is now being abandoned for the perceived safety of a gym.
This experience is reshaping my perspective and influencing my civic priorities. Having dedicated my career to climate action since 2008, from academia to consulting and my own startup, I’ve always been a vocal advocate for bike commuting. Yet, the current reality begs the question: why would anyone willingly choose biking or walking in such unsafe conditions? Santa Cruz seems capable of large-scale downtown development, but incapable of ensuring basic safety on a crucial bike path.
The prioritization seems skewed. Resources are allocated to freeway expansions, yet the safety of vulnerable users on clean transportation routes is neglected, rendering them unusable. Is safety investment only reserved for areas with storefronts and parked vehicles, while bike and pedestrian routes are overlooked?
Santa Cruz has indeed made commendable progress in bike infrastructure development in recent years, with ambitious rail-trail projects on the horizon. However, the fundamental question remains: if existing infrastructure cannot be maintained and made safe, will these new investments be effectively utilized, or will fear deter potential users?
Sharing my concerns with friends elicited unsurprising responses. One friend admitted to ceasing biking on the levee with her children years ago due to safety concerns during the pandemic. Another expressed gratitude, highlighting his own anxieties walking downtown with his young child and wishing for safer pedestrian routes.
While Santa Cruz County has seen a reduction in homelessness in the past year, addressing the safety crisis on key infrastructure like the San Lorenzo River levee bike path must become a priority for city leaders. Making zero-emission transportation genuinely safe and appealing is paramount to achieving our environmental and community goals.
