Kids biking to school, seniors running errands, and fun-seekers headed to West Cliff, Natural Bridges or Wilder Ranch are loving the safety and convenience of this community resource.
From Friends of the Rail & Trail
August 27, 2024—In the heart of Santa Cruz, California, a transformation is taking place that is reshaping how people move around the city. The Westside Rail Trail, a 1.7-mile-long protected, car-free pathway, has become a vital artery for the community, connecting the entire Westside and providing a safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation option.
Since its inception, the trail has seen tremendous usage, with hundreds of people relying on it daily to navigate the city. The Westside Rail Trail is not just a convenient route; it’s a symbol of a community embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Convenience and Connectivity
The Westside Rail Trail offers unparalleled convenience and connectivity for Santa Cruz residents. Local enthusiast Bruce, a Westside resident, shares their experience:
"I am able to do all my Saturday morning errands on the rail trail. First stop the pharmacy off of Mission, second stop the Farmers Market at Natural Bridges Drive, third stop my book group all the way across the Westside on California Street. The rail trail allows me to make the whole trip in a protected, car-free environment on my bike!"
This seamless connection of key locations across the Westside makes the trail an invaluable resource for residents who want to reduce their reliance on cars while enjoying the beauty of Santa Cruz.
Students and Elders Gain Independence
The Westside Rail Trail is making a significant impact on the younger generation. This year, students at many Westside schools have been able to ride their bikes and walk to school safely using the trail.
"Every afternoon as school lets out, you can see them streaming out of campus, on foot and on bikes, onto the rail trail," says one local observer. This safe route encourages more students to bike to school, promoting physical activity and reducing traffic congestion during peak hours.
Neil, a resident living close to Pacific Collegiate School said, “As a neighbor of PCS, auto traffic is reduced in the afternoon. The number of students on bikes on the trail in the afternoon is impressive.”
When kids are able to take responsibility for their own transportation they learn to take charge of their own movement around town, ride in social groups and reduce the vehicle miles traveled by their parents, reducing traffic for school pick up lines.
Trail use is not limited to bikes and pedestrians: mobility scooters, wheelchairs and recumbent tricycles are all welcome on and share the many benefits of the trail.
“My scooter has literally saved my life,” says Alice, 91, who lives close to Neary Lagoon and no longer drives. “I’ve traveled all the way to Long Marine Lab and back. The rail trail is the easiest part to navigate. I did not realize how close the next segment [7b] will be to my house, I’ll be able to travel across the entire Westside without worrying about cars.”
We’re seeing the real-time proof that fully protected pathways like the rail trail allow independence for students who can’t yet drive as well as seniors who want to be able to age-in-place. It’s the kind of infrastructure that improves our lives.
Environmental and Health Benefits
The shift from car travel to biking and walking has substantial environmental benefits. By reducing the number of cars on the road, the Westside Rail Trail helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Additionally, the trail promotes physical activity, which can improve overall health and well-being for the community.
Beyond the Westside
In addition to its role enabling car-free commuting on the Westside, the trail is also an important recreational connector, providing access to West Cliff Drive, Wilder Ranch trails and Natural Bridges State Park.
A Community United
The success of the Westside Rail Trail is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for a better future. The trail is not just a pathway; it’s a symbol of unity, resilience, and progress. It exemplifies how thoughtful urban planning and community engagement can create spaces that enhance the quality of life for everyone.
Looking Ahead
As the popularity of the Westside Rail Trail continues to grow, more Rail Trail segments are being built throughout the County. The next segment, connecting the Westside to the Wharf is expected to open this fall, and construction has started on the North Reach from Wilder ranch to Davenport. Next up, the Rail Trail segments from the Boardwalk to Aptos are all expected to start construction in 2026. With the build out of the Rail Trail, Santa Cruz County has set a precedent for how cities can prioritize safe, sustainable transportation options that benefit both people and the planet.
The Rail Trail is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. It’s a lifeline for the community, fostering connections, promoting health and safety, and paving the way for a greener future. Whether you’re running errands, heading to school, or simply enjoying a leisurely bike ride, the Westside Rail Trail is transforming transportation in Santa Cruz, one mile at a time.
Catching Up: About the Rail & Trail Projects
The Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line is a 32-mile rail line owned by the County of Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, California Office of Rail Transportation and Federal Rail Administration are working together to implement new passenger rail service from Santa Cruz to San Jose via Salinas. The new 22 mile service between Santa Cruz and Pajaro with stops in Seabright, Live Oak, Capitola, Aptos and Watsonville is being designed now. The rail trail will be built next to the tracks and connect to the trail in Monterey County, creating an around-the-bay trail facility for everyone to enjoy.
Rail & Trail Will Benefit Everyone
70 percent of Santa Cruz County residents both live and work in the county, and most commuting is done in the narrow north-south corridor between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Coast of the Monterey Bay. This happens to be the exact corridor that the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line serves. In fact, Santa Cruz County grew up along and around the rail line, which is why it’s no surprise that it serves the densest neighborhoods and job centers, in addition to over 40 schools and 92 parks.
Pedal on over to the Friends of the Rail & Trail website for more information.
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