Most Dangerous Roads for Bicyclists on the Central Coast

The 10 Most Dangerous Roads on the Central Coast for Cyclists

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a daily commuter, riding on the Central Coast of California is both a joy and a challenge. With stunning landscapes and varied terrain, it’s a cyclist’s paradise. But some roads can be quite hazardous, requiring extra caution. Let’s take a spin through the ten most dangerous roads for cyclists across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties. Safety first, folks!

1. Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)

Let’s kick things off with the iconic Highway 1. This route offers some of the most breathtaking views along the coast, but for cyclists, it can be a mixed blessing. The sections through Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties, especially around Big Sur, are particularly treacherous. Narrow shoulders, sharp curves, and heavy tourist traffic make this a challenging ride. The stunning scenery is tempting, but keep your focus on the road.

Safer Alternative: Try the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This 18-mile trail runs from Castroville to Pacific Grove, providing a safe, car-free ride for cyclists. It’s a fantastic alternative for those looking to avoid high-traffic roads while still enjoying the incredible views of Central Coast Coastline.

2. Highway 17

Cycling on Highway 17 in Santa Cruz County is not for the faint-hearted. Known for its sharp turns and heavy traffic, this road can be downright scary for cyclists. The stretch between Scotts Valley and Los Gatos is particularly notorious. With minimal shoulder space and fast-moving vehicles, it’s crucial to stay as visible as possible and ride defensively.

Safer Alternative: Instead of riding along Highway 17, consider the Old Santa Cruz Highway (but it’s number 5 on our list). So, consider the Los Gatos Creek Trail or the Bear Creek Road for a more scenic and cyclist-friendly route that avoids the dangers of Highway 17 altogether.

3. Highway 68

Next up, we have Highway 68 in Monterey County. This road connects Salinas and Pacific Grove and is popular among cyclists for its scenic route. However, heavy commuter traffic, narrow shoulders, and sharp curves can pose significant risks. The foggy conditions that often blanket this area reduce visibility, so make sure your bike lights are bright and your reflective gear is on point.

Safer Alternative and One of My Personal Favorites: A great alternative to Highway 68 is the Fort Ord National Monument. This area offers miles of bike trails through beautiful grasslands and oak woodlands. The trails are well-marked, and the entire area is closed to motor vehicles, providing a peaceful and safe environment for cyclists of all skill levels.

4. Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass)

Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County, also known as San Marcos Pass, is a beautiful but dangerous road for cyclists. The steep grades and sharp turns through the Santa Ynez Mountains demand your full attention. Heavy vehicle traffic and limited shoulder space add to the hazards. It’s a challenging climb, so ensure your bike is in top condition before tackling this route.

Safer Alternative: Instead of Highway 154, cyclists can explore the Alisos Canyon Loop in Los Olivos. This loop takes you through the rolling hills of wine country, offering quiet roads, beautiful views, and significantly less traffic than the pass. It’s a challenging but rewarding ride that’s far safer for cyclists.

5. Highway 9

Cyclists in Santa Cruz County are familiar with the perils of Highway 9. This road winds through the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a mix of scenic beauty and challenging terrain. However, the narrow, winding road with limited shoulder space and frequent blind curves makes it risky. The route from Boulder Creek to Saratoga is particularly hazardous due to high-speed car traffic.

Safer Alternative: Try Felton Empire Road to Empire Grade, which runs parallel to parts of Highway 9, offering less traffic and wider shoulders. Although the climb can be challenging, Empire Grade offers stunning views and a safer riding experience with fewer cars compared to Highway 9.

6. Carmel Valley Road

Carmel Valley Road in Monterey County is a favorite among local cyclists for its picturesque views and rolling hills. But don’t let the beauty fool you—this road can be dangerous. The narrow lanes and sharp bends, combined with occasional heavy traffic, require cyclists to be on high alert. The lack of dedicated bike lanes means sharing the road with fast-moving vehicles, often driven by folks leaving winers.

Safer Alternative: Again, Fort Ord National Monument offers over 86 miles of well-maintained trails open to cyclists. This area is free from cars and provides a variety of trails, from paved paths to more rugged options, giving cyclists a chance to enjoy the beauty of Monterey County without the stress of dealing with traffic.

7. Highway 1 (Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay)

Another stretch of Highway 1 that poses significant risks is the route from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay. While the coastal views are magnificent, the road’s narrow shoulders and heavy vehicle traffic, especially during weekends, make it challenging for cyclists. Be prepared for sudden gusts of wind and keep a steady hand on the handlebars.

Safer Alternative: Instead of riding along Highway 1, consider taking West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. This route offers stunning ocean views and a dedicated bike path that keeps you separated from traffic. For a longer ride, you can connect to the San Lorenzo River Trail for a scenic and safe cycling experience through the heart of Santa Cruz.

8. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road

In Monterey County, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road offers a rugged, adventurous ride for experienced cyclists. This road cuts through the Santa Lucia Mountains, providing stunning vistas but also presenting numerous hazards. The narrow, winding road with steep drop-offs and minimal guardrails requires extreme caution. It’s a remote area, so ensure you have all the necessary supplies and a reliable map.

Safer Alternative for Advanced Cyclers: If you’re looking for a more challenging ride with less traffic but still want to experience the rugged beauty of the area, consider exploring the roads around the Santa Lucia Preserve. These roads offer steep climbs and scenic views, much like Nacimiento-Fergusson, but they generally have less traffic and more room for cyclists. However, it’s still advisable to use caution due to the winding roads.

9. Foothill Road

Foothill Road in San Luis Obispo County is popular among cyclists for its relatively flat terrain and rural charm. However, the road’s narrow width, lack of shoulders, and occasional heavy vehicle traffic can be dangerous. The stretch between San Luis Obispo and Santa Margarita sees a mix of fast-moving cars and large trucks. Stay alert and ride defensively.

Safer Alternative: One of the best alternatives to Foothill Road is the Bob Jones City to Sea Trail. This family-friendly, paved bike path runs from the outskirts of San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach. It is completely separated from traffic, making it an ideal choice for cyclists who want to avoid dangerous roads while enjoying beautiful creekside scenery. The trail ends at Avila Beach, allowing cyclists to relax by the ocean after their ride.

10. San Marcos Road

Finally, we have San Marcos Road in Santa Barbara County. This steep, narrow road is a challenge for even the most experienced cyclists. The limited visibility and sharp turns, combined with minimal shoulder space, make it a risky ride. Add in the occasional fast-moving vehicle, and you have a recipe for potential danger. Make sure your brakes are in perfect working order before attempting this route.

Safer Alternative: For a safer inland route, Cathedral Oaks Road runs parallel to the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains and offers a much wider road with bike lanes, making it a more cyclist-friendly option. It’s also significantly less busy than San Marcos Road, offering a quieter, safer environment for riders, with the bonus of gentle rolling hills for those looking for a bit of a workout.

So there you have it, cycling enthusiasts—the ten most dangerous roads for cyclists on California’s Central Coast, and hopefully some safer alternatives. Each of these routes offers its own unique challenges and stunning scenery, but they also demand respect and caution. As always, wear your helmet, stay visible, and ride safely. The beauty of the Central Coast is best enjoyed when you’re out of harm’s way. Happy cycling!