Santa Barbara’s Streets: Paving the Way for Safer Cycling

Santa Barbara often conjures images of sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and palm-lined streets. For cyclists, it seems like an idyllic haven. But recent data tells a different story—one of danger and vulnerability for those who choose two wheels over four. A report presented to the Santa Barbara City Council recently uncovered some sobering statistics: in 2021, Santa Barbara had more bicyclists killed or injured by vehicles than any other city of its size in California. Yes, you read that right. Out of 105 cities of similar populations, Santa Barbara took the grim top spot.

So, what's going on? And more importantly, how do we fix it? Let’s dive in.

The Shocking Stats: What the Report Revealed

According to the report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Santa Barbara reported 85 bicyclist injuries or fatalities in 2021. This wasn’t just an outlier year either; the trend has been troubling for some time. Between 2017 and 2021, the city saw 25 traffic-related deaths, which included cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.

In 2021 alone:

• 85 bicyclists were killed or injured.

• 35 pedestrians were killed or injured.

• 32 motorcyclists faced similar fates.

• There were 95 alcohol-related collisions, ranking Santa Barbara third in its category for cities of comparable size.

It’s not exactly the postcard-perfect image of safety one might expect.

Why Santa Barbara Ranks High in Bicycle Incidents

To provide some context, Jessica Grant, Santa Barbara’s Supervising Transportation Planner, explained a crucial factor: the city’s strong “active transportation network.” In other words, Santa Barbara has more bicyclists and pedestrians using the streets compared to other similarly sized cities, which are more car-centric. While that’s a win for sustainability and reducing traffic congestion, it also increases exposure to potential accidents. More people on bikes means a higher chance of collisions.

Grant didn’t sugarcoat it, though: “It’s not good to have these high rankings.” Even if more people are cycling, injuries and fatalities are never acceptable.

A Path to Safer Streets: The $800K Grant and Action Plan

Here’s the good news: the city is taking this seriously. Santa Barbara recently received a hefty $799,400 federal grant to develop a “Safe Streets for All” action plan. This plan will build on existing initiatives like the Bicycle Master Plan and Vision Zero—an ambitious goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility.

But what exactly will this grant do?

The funds will go toward:

• Analyzing problem areas: Identifying high-risk intersections and streets.

• Community input: Listening to those directly affected by street design changes.

• Infrastructure improvements: Enhancing bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures.

• Education campaigns: Raising awareness about road safety for all users.

City staff have two years to craft and implement this plan. It’s a step in the right direction, but as with any public project, community buy-in will be critical.

The Debate Over Bike Path Improvements

While the city’s efforts to improve bike infrastructure are commendable, not everyone is thrilled. Some residents, particularly in the Westside and Eastside neighborhoods, have voiced concerns about recent bike path updates.

Councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez shared that neighbors near Alisos Street felt the new “islands” designed to calm traffic and create safer bike routes were causing more harm than good. They claimed these changes made it harder to navigate their streets, leading to a perception that the city prioritizes bicyclists over the residents who live there.

It’s a delicate balance. On one hand, creating safer spaces for cyclists is essential to prevent injuries and fatalities. On the other, local communities must feel heard and supported. Infrastructure that benefits one group shouldn’t come at the cost of inconveniencing or alienating others. After all, safe streets should work for everyone—cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and emergency services alike.

Bicyclists and Residents: A Shared Goal

Let’s be real for a second: nobody, cyclist or driver, wakes up wanting to deal with unsafe roads. Whether you’re pedaling your way to work or driving to pick up your kids, safety is a universal priority. And while the stats paint a concerning picture, they also provide an opportunity to turn things around.

Bicyclists aren’t asking for special treatment—they’re asking for survival. Sharing the road shouldn’t be a gamble with your life. Similarly, residents want to feel like their neighborhoods are accessible and functional, not blocked off or complicated by new traffic measures.

The city’s challenge is to bridge that gap. By bringing more voices to the table and tweaking designs based on real-world feedback, Santa Barbara can create a more harmonious, safer street environment.

Why We Need to Embrace Cycling

It’s easy to get caught up in the frustrations of road design and forget why promoting cycling is so crucial in the first place. Here are a few reminders:

1. Cycling Reduces Traffic Congestion

Fewer cars on the road mean less gridlock and more efficient commutes for everyone. Every time someone chooses a bike over a car, it’s one less vehicle adding to traffic jams.

2. It’s Better for the Environment

Bicycles don’t emit greenhouse gases. In a world grappling with climate change, cycling offers a simple yet powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Health Benefits

Cycling is fantastic for your physical and mental health. It’s exercise, a stress-reliever, and a mode of transportation all rolled into one.

4. Cost-Effective

Biking is cheaper than owning and maintaining a car. With gas prices fluctuating and the cost of living rising, cycling provides an affordable alternative.

What Can You Do?

If you’re a cyclist, pedestrian, or even a concerned motorist, your voice matters. Here’s how you can get involved in shaping Santa Barbara’s safer streets:

• Attend City Council Meetings: Share your experiences and concerns during public comment periods.

• Participate in Surveys and Feedback Sessions: The city will likely seek input as they develop the Safe Streets for All plan. Don’t miss the chance to have your say.

• Advocate for Change: Join local cycling advocacy groups or start your own campaign to push for improvements you believe in.

• Be a Responsible Road User: Whether you’re behind the wheel or on a bike, follow the rules of the road. Respect other road users and stay alert.

The Road Ahead

Santa Barbara’s streets may have a long way to go, but the city’s commitment to addressing these issues is encouraging. With nearly $800,000 in funding and a renewed focus on safety, there’s hope for a future where cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers can coexist more harmoniously.

The journey won’t be without its bumps (pun intended), but every step forward counts. Together, we can make Santa Barbara not just a beautiful place to visit but a safe and thriving community for everyone who calls it home.