Location 

Santa Cruz, California 

Strategies Employed 

✓ Solicited a third-party, independent 

expert to verify for the community 

that a roundabout will improve 

safety and mobility for all users. 

✓ Used a consistent message 

when communicating to the 

project stakeholders about why a 

roundabout is the right choice for 

the intersection. 

✓ Targeted and educated pedestrian 

and bicycle advocacy groups to 

gain their support. 

Figure 2: Pedestrians using the roundabout. 

Source: City of Santa Cruz 

Source: Santa Cruz, CA 

Figure 3: Bicyclist using the the roundabout. 

Source: City of Santa Cruz 

Accommodating 

Pedestrians and Bicycles 

Choosing a Roundabout as a 

Multimodal Solution 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Highway Administration 

Introduction 

The City of Santa Cruz, California, is committed 

to creating and maintaining a walkable and 

bikeable community. Master plans adopted for 

pedestrians in 2003 and bicycles in 2008 back up 

that commitment with city policies to improve Figure 1: Location of Santa Cruz, CA 

the quality of life for non-motorized road users. 

Located on Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a vibrant community that has received national 

recognition and awards for being a “bicycle friendly community.” Residents of the city, 

students at the nearby University of California Santa Cruz, and visitors to the coastline all 

contribute to a diverse and active-lifestyle community. The city’s General Plan 2030 states: 

“We will provide an accessible, comprehensive, and 

effective transportation system that integrates automobile 

use with sustainable and innovative transportation 

options—including enhanced public transit, bicycle, and 

pedestrian networks throughout the community.” 

In addition, transportation safety and mobility around and through the community are 

important to the city, and the city’s staff is encouraged to consider innovative ideas and 

solutions to improve traffic flow and safety. As part of a revitalization of the connection 

between downtown and beach areas of Santa Cruz, and in keeping with active 

transportation goals, the city studied upgrading the intersection of Pacific Avenue, 

Center Street, and Depot Park from an all-way stop to a single-lane roundabout. 

Background 

Located less than 1⁄4 mile from the historic Municipal Wharf, and adjacent to Depot 

Park, the intersection of Pacific Avenue at Center Street serves as a historic gateway 

between downtown Santa Cruz and the beach properties along the coast. The 

intersection experienced daily congestion due to traffic going to and from downtown 

and the beaches, especially on weekends. Being next to a park and close to the coast, 

pedestrians and bicyclists were also regular intersection users. 

In 2005, the City of Santa Cruz undertook a feasibility study to evaluate the intersection 

operations and traffic control. Part of the study examined replacement of the existing 

all-way stop with either a roundabout or a traffic signal. The study documented the 

existing use patterns of all travel modes and counted the number of pedestrian 

crossings and bicycle turning movements at the intersection. 

The feasibility study recommended a roundabout as the most balanced solution for 

pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles. The roundabout requires fewer lanes on each 

approach than an equivalent traffic signal, which means shorter pedestrian crossing 

distances. Additionally, lower speeds associated with the roundabout foster a safer and 

more comfortable environment for all users. 

FHWA-SA-14-011 

Updated October 2020
 

 

Lessons Learned 

• Strategically identify a location that seems

like a good fit for a community’s first 

roundabout then conduct a thorough, 

independent expert evaluation to inform 

early decisions. 

• Connect the benefits of a proposed

roundabout to important community

values, including the goals set in

long-range plans.

• Conduct extensive outreach by soliciting

input and feedback and always following

up on questions. These were simple, key

steps with a great impact.

• Leverage strategic success to

promote future roundabouts where

they are feasible.

Figure 4: Bicyclist using the roundabout. 

Source: City of Santa Cruz 

Learn More 

Christophe Schneiter 

Assistant Director of Public Works / City Engineer 

City of Santa Cruz 

831.420.5422

cschneiter@cityofsantacruz.com 

Jeffrey Shaw 

Intersections Program Manager 

FHWA Office of Safety 

202.738.7793

jeffrey.shaw@dot.gov

Approach 

Following the recommendation of the feasibility study, the city programmed the project 

for construction in 2011. City personnel knew public outreach and communication were 

critical for successful completion since this would be the first modern roundabout in 

the community. Specifically, they planned a significant effort to reach and educate the 

pedestrian and bicycle advocacy groups. The city used consistent, positive messaging 

as the foundation for communicating to the general public and advocacy groups that a 

roundabout was the right choice. The city utilized the following talking points: 

• Independent, expert analysis verified that a roundabout would operate more safely and

efficiently than a traditional traffic signal.

• Pedestrians of all ages and abilities have a better experience since crosswalks are shorter and 

vehicle speeds are lower. 

• Bicyclists can comfortably ride in the roadway since single lane roundabout geometry has

fewer conflict points and lower speeds.

• The features of a roundabout create a “gateway” to the community thanks to improved

aesthetics, including using the central island as an opportunity for a public art showcase.

• This intersection was well-suited for a successful first roundabout in the community due to

the mix of modes, existing road layouts, and adjacent development.

Results 

In addition to engaging the general public, city officials met with two prominent 

pedestrian and bicycle advocacy groups within the community to receive their input 

and answer their questions. Following this outreach, the city and the engineering 

consultant presented the findings to the Santa Cruz City Council. The advocacy groups 

spoke out in favor of the project and the city council unanimously approved the 

project for construction. 

Conclusion 

City staff sensed that the intersection was a good opportunity for a first roundabout 

in Santa Cruz and community support for the roundabout was achieved through a 

deliberate, thoughtful process. An accomplished expert was enlisted to equip city staff 

with the needed knowledge about roundabouts. Thus, the city was able to connect 

the proposed roundabout to community values of innovation, aesthetics, safety, and 

the environment. Efforts by the city to work with pedestrian and bicycling groups 

in the community resulted in additional support needed for the project to proceed. 

The City of Santa Cruz now uses the success of this roundabout as a model for other 

proposed locations. 

More Information 

City of Santa Cruz General Plan 2030: 

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=348 

City of Santa Cruz Pedestrian Master Plan: 

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25777 

City of Santa Cruz Bicycle Transportation Plan 2008: 

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=2496 

Feasibility Report (Beach Area Roundabout and Traffic Signal Project): 

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=2494