Protected bicycle lanes represent the next generation of bicycle infrastructure in the US. By providing physical separation from cars, they improve safety and encourage more people to bicycle.

This report, by Jesus Contreras and Shirley Chun, analyzes several potential corridors to implement the first protected bicycle lanes in Santa Cruz. It identifies Water St as a top priority, due to high numbers of collisions, high connectivity, and traffic volumes and speeds. The report then provides a detailed design proposal for Water St, and shows that protected bicycle lanes are feasible within the existing street width, and with the loss of only two parking spaces.

Read the full report, which was presented to the Santa Cruz Transportation and Public Works Commission on March 18, 2019.