WATSONVILLE—A temporary protected bike and pedestrian path on Green Valley Road between Amesti Road and Pinto Lake City Park officially opened May 28.Â
The path, installed by the County of Santa Cruz, serves as a preview for area residents and students of nearby Amesti Elementary School of what a permanent protected path could look like.
The installation will be in place until June 23, and the county is looking for feedback on the project, which is included in its Active Transportation Plan. People can give feedback by taking a survey at ecoact.org/poweredbyme/.
The Active Transportation Plan provides a roadmap for future improvements for walking and bicycling in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, including Davenport, Live Oak, Aptos, Corralitos and Amesti.
The pop-up installation on Green Valley uses portable pylons and metal planters painted by Amesti students instead of permanent barriers or landscaping.
The county, Ecology Action and Bike Santa Cruz County welcomed about 100 people to the park on May 28 for the path’s grand opening. Santa Cruz County Fourth District Supervisor Greg Caput and Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez spoke during the kickoff, which included free tacos from Carmona’s BBQ Deli and other giveaways.
The Active Transportation Plan is a partnership between the county’s public works and public health departments, Ecology Action and Bike Santa Cruz County. The project is funded through a Caltrans Sustainable Communities Transportation Planning Grant as well as local matching funds.
A second installation project is planned for late June along Portola Drive between 36th Avenue and 41st Avenue.
Following the installation projects, the planning team will develop the draft Active Transportation Plan, which will be completed in early 2022. It can then use the plan to apply for funding.
