The City of Santa Barbara is advancing the upgrades on Cliff Drive through the Vision Zero Project. This initiative aims to address long-standing community concerns around traffic safety and accessibility.
With $27 million in state funding, secured through the California Active Transportation Program (ATP), this project will deliver a range of improvements for cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians along the three-mile stretch from Arroyo Burro County Park to Castillo Street.
Highlights
- Santa Barbara has been awarded $27 million in state funding for the Cliff Drive Vision Zero Project.
- Under this project, a new multiuse path will complete a critical segment of the Coastal Bike Route.
- The tree removal and planting plan includes 70 new canopy street trees of eleven different species.
Project Plan & Improvements include Bike Lanes, Sidewalks, Crosswalks, and More
The project was initially announced after several years of public engagement. The Cliff Drive Vision Zero Project will be enforced to improve traffic safety and mobility, and introduce a new, separated multiuse path for people of all ages and abilities. The path will also mark the completion of the final gap in the 30-mile Coastal Bike Route from UC Santa Barbara to Ventura County.
Additionally, it will include major pedestrian infrastructure upgrades such as 14 new crosswalks, enhancements to four existing ones, and four new traffic signals. New safety features will consist of median refuge islands, high-visibility markings, safety lighting, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), and curb extensions.
Sidewalk improvements, such as the widening of the sidewalk on Flora Vista between Cliff Drive and Red Rose, curb extensions at Flora Vista and Red Rose, and new sidewalk infill on Red Rose near Monroe Elementary, are also planned under the project. Moreover, a widened sidewalk supporting safer connections to McKinley Elementary School is also planned along Loma Alta.
Project Timelines
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027; however, the city may expedite the construction in certain areas if feasible. The City has taken crucial steps to redesign the corridor in alignment with the Vision Zero strategy that was adopted in 2018. Cliff Drive has been identified as the City’s second-highest priority corridor in terms of safety improvement.
Many community meetings have informed the project. This includes sessions in April of 2022, November of 2023, and June of 2025. These sessions, held both virtually and in-person at Monroe Elementary, offered project updates and design feedback opportunities.
Tree Removals and Replanting Efforts
In June 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the removal of 23 trees along this project corridor. These removals will be taking place ahead of the construction. However, the city will not commence construction unless a biologist offers approval, ensuring that no nesting birds are present in the area.
To offset this loss, the City will plant a canopy of 70 trees throughout the project corridor. As per the City’s Street Tree master Plan, eleven different species of trees were selected. The planting will begin once the landscape planter construction is complete and will be coordinated with the City Arborist.
Residents can expect significant safety upgrades and a walkable, bike-friendly city as Santa Barbara moves forward with the Cliff Drive Vision Zero Project. The project will ensure a city tailored to the needs of local schools, parks, and neighborhoods.
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Keep tearing out those big beautiful trees one block at a time, replace them with sidewalks, curbs, little palm trees and well controlled little bushes that never reach more than five feet tall, pinch down traffic lanes so bicyclists can enjoy their unimpeded race track. Cram in more apartment buildings stuffed with more minimum-wage service workers to staff tourist-industry businesses and endless bars.
Ahhhh…yes…THAT’S better!
Please read the article, particularly the addition of many more trees, before knee-jerking a screed.
Enough with the bike paths already.
“Multi-use” paths, not bike paths. They’re primarily for dog walking and stroller pushing, and a few kids with training wheels. Don’t confuse them with usable bike paths.