Bike Santa Cruz County releases a new report on safe cycling through the county

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Bike Santa Cruz County released a first-of-its-kind report on Thursday looking at where, why and how local bikers ride.

The organization finding significant safety concerns.

According to the report, 89% of bike riders saw or experienced a crash or near miss in the last year, with only 2% of riders feeling safe on local roads.

"We don't feel safe because there's just way too many cars going way too fast," one cyclist, who was with his son, told KION.

Fifty-five percent of cyclists say that protected bike lanes on busy streets are the most important upgrade to make them feel safer while biking in the county.

The study also identified problem corridors.

Six corridors were identified: Soquel Avenue and Soquel Drive, Mission Street at Highway 1, Capitola Road, River Street and Water Street.

The report says that those streets -- alone -- account for nearly half of all the county's bike-related crashes in 2024.

People in Santa Cruz hoping that the recent survey results will help them shape safer bike routes throughout the county.