Survey finds Capitola residents in favor of establishing bike-share program in city

Capitola city leaders may establish a bike-share program and have taken some of the first steps to do so.

This comes after a survey found many in favor of such a program. The survey is considered the first step in the city’s possible attempt to establish its own bike-share program.

About 110 people were surveyed and at least 60% of those individuals say they’re in favor of a bike-share program in Capitola.

“I can’t think of a reason you wouldn’t have a bike share program,” says Capitola resident Joe Downie. “It’s great for the community and gets more people to come in to cruise around town and enjoy the place, I love it.”

Now there are some safety concerns the city and residents want to keep in mind.

In the survey residents questioned having a bike-share program in a city where there are a lot of areas which are steep.

They also don’t want to see bikes left abandoned in random areas of the city and want riders to be required to wear helmets.

Some concerns lend themselves to Capitola Village, a high-traffic area with pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists alike all commuting through.

The city is hoping to use local bike-share companies should the program be given a go-ahead from city leaders.

Bike-share docks could possibly be restricted from the Capitola Village area and sidewalk riding may be prohibited.

With the concerns come the possibilities, however. Residents feel like this is a program they can use to ride over to Santa Cruz (A city which also has a bike-share program in place and was the inspiration for Capitola to consider a similar program).

“There’s a lot of people here at lunch and in the afternoon. It’s super busy. So having this bike program would be easier for people to come in and get services here,” says Capitola resident Celina Perez.

Survey results also showed those who took part were more interested in electric-pedal-assist bicycles or to be provided the option for both electric and human powered bicycles.

Most admit they’ll be using the bikes for recreation or for running errands, with price of the bikes and convenience of drop-off and pick-up locations being top priorities along with safety.

Those surveyed also say they would not approve of an electric scooter program within city limits.