|
"Slow Down Broadway" Advocates for Safe Streets
Bike Santa Cruz County is committed to highlighting grass-roots efforts to improve the safety of roads in Santa Cruz County. "Slow Down Broadway" is a coalition of neighbors living near Broadway in the Seabright and Lower Ocean neighborhoods dedicated to making Broadway and nearby neighborhoods safer for everyone. It's inspiring to work with them, and a reminder that it just takes a few dedicated neighbors to implement positive change and strengthen the bonds of community. Thanks to Lucretia Hall from Slow Down Broadway for her leadership with this initiative.
Cyclists along Broadway have experienced the issues: Driver speed is very high, running stop lights is a consistent pattern, reckless driving is common and the consequences are real. Cyclists are navigating fast-moving traffic. Drivers are making decisions too quickly. Pedestrians are crossing where visibility is limited and street design favors cars. Children are present while drivers are accelerating through red lights. And for those who live on the street, the risks don’t stop at the curb: cars have left the roadway and struck homes and parked vehicles multiple times.
Given these conditions, the residents of Broadway neighborhoods have begun to organize and partner with the city of Santa Cruz to plan for traffic calming measures. Slow Does Broadway is focused on the Frederick to Oceanview seggment, and is aligned with neighbors working on the Ocean-to–San Lorenzo River section so that the full corridor is addressed comprehensively.
Importantly, efforts like those initiated by Slow Down Broadway is not about pointing fingers. Most neighbors use Broadway travel in more than one mode: they drive it, bike it, walk it. So, the group understands competing visions. But the current design of the street does not do enough to slow traffic or create safe conditions for everyone. That’s why neighbors have come together to focus on one clear priority:
Slowing down traffic through proven, physical traffic-calming measures.
Slow Down Broadway is actively working with the City and building a unified voice to support this next phase of improvements.
But change requires more than intention - it requires input and participation.
Here’s how you can help:
- Share any accidents or near-misses you’ve experienced or witnessed on Broadway
- Tell us what would make you feel safer as a cyclist, driver, or pedestrian
- Add your name to support the effort
- Join the group in whatever way works for you - even small actions matter
We are a respectful, collaborative, inclusive group that values every voice. Whether you want to be highly involved or simply stay informed, you are welcome.
The more unified we are, the more the city government can help - and the faster we can achieve meaningful change. Please email slowdownbroadway@gmail.com to add your name to the cause.
— Slow Down Broadway (Frederick to Oceanview neighbors, in collaboration with Ocean to San Lorenzo River neighbors)
| 
