Creating safer, more accessible streets begins by listening to the people who use them every day. Recently, Mobycon’s U.S. team had the opportunity to do just that while supporting the County of Monterey‘s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Implementation Grant effort on California’s Central Coast.
Our work focused on engaging residents in the cities of Watsonville and Pajaro to better understand their transportation needs, safety concerns, and ideas for improving public spaces. By connecting directly with community members, we aimed to ensure that future investments reflect local priorities.
Over the course of our visit, we connected with more than 50 residents, the majority of whom were Spanish-speaking. We engaged with them through pop-up events at the local Farmer’s Market, Library, and Transit Center. We also hosted an open house at Pajaro Park, creating additional opportunities for residents to share their experiences and ideas.
These conversations provided valuable insight into how people travel through their communities and the everyday challenges they face.
One message emerged consistently: residents are concerned about traffic safety.
Residents described their neighborhood streets as unsafe for walking and biking. They expressed strong support for investments that would make active transportation safer and more comfortable, including:
Despite the area’s limited bicycle infrastructure, cycling remains an important part of daily life for many residents. Many residents regularly rely on bicycles and public transit to get around.
We were particularly inspired to learn about a local community cycling group that organizes monthly rides for dozens of children and teens. Their efforts highlight both the enthusiasm for biking in the region and the need for infrastructure that better supports riders of all ages and abilities.
The feedback gathered through this outreach effort will help inform a grant application aimed at creating safer streets and stronger transportation connections throughout the Pajaro Valley.
If awarded, the grant would support a range of community improvements, including enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, street trees, improved lighting, traffic safety upgrades, and other investments designed to benefit a historically underserved community.
We are grateful to the County of Monterey, community partners, and the many residents who generously shared their time, experiences, and insights with us. Their perspectives are invaluable in helping create transportation solutions that reflect the community’s vision for the future.
At Mobycon, we believe the best projects begin with meaningful conversations. We’re proud to support efforts that help communities become safer, greener, and more connected for people walking, biking, and using public transit.
Interested in support for your project? We’d be happy to have a chat and discuss the possibilities. Feel free to reach out to us and let’s explore how we can work together.
