Those hoping to snap the perfect photo of California’s iconic Bixby Bridge may find their luck running thin.
Monterey County supervisors are contemplating a bold move to prohibit parking at this famed spot for one year. Over the years, the bridge has seen increased disruptions caused by influencers, turning the picturesque Highway 1 area into what locals describe as a hazardous free parking zone.
The board recently voted to enact a temporary parking ban on or near the bridge, a popular destination for selfie-takers and photographers, due to the congestion it creates on the already narrow coastal road.
However, before implementing any crackdown, officials must address crucial matters like enforcement, emergency access, and the legal challenges posed by California’s coastal regulations.
About 90 miles north of the San Luis Obispo-Monterey county line, the bridge has become synonymous with reckless tourist behavior. Drivers create traffic jams and attempt dangerous U-turns or even leave their vehicles mid-road to capture a photo.
This situation results in substantial traffic backups, sometimes up to a mile long in both directions, raising safety concerns about potential accidents.
Local residents are already feeling the strain. One account shared by Kate Novoa, known locally as Big Sur Kate, describes a driver who simply abandoned their car in the road to take a picture. “It’s happening more often than you might think… People taking selfies are ruining Big Sur,” she remarked.
With the recent reopening of Highway 1 after three years of repairs, visitor numbers have surged. According to Visit California, northbound traffic at Ragged Point has skyrocketed by more than 900% year-over-year since the roads reopened on January 15th, showcasing the overwhelming travel demand after such a long closure.
Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church expressed deep concerns about the escalating situation, suggesting it could be a ticking time bomb. “I’m very concerned about the safety issue,” he noted. “If people get hurt there or if a young child crossing the road is killed.”
Currently, there are limited safe parking options for tourists. Vehicles often park haphazardly along the narrow roads, exacerbating the already precarious driving conditions.
Authorities had previously blocked off 12 unofficial parking spots nearby to improve traffic flow and have plans to ban parking on a section of Old Coast Road starting September 2024.
Supervisor Kate Daniels, a lifelong resident of Big Sur, has been advocating for this issue after consulting with the California Coastal Commission and county officials. She argues that a temporary ban would provide the necessary time to devise a long-term solution, as there are no alternative routes around the bridge.
“Twelve months gives us time to come up with safer ways to travel on this highway,” she explained.
Nonetheless, the proposed ban is expected to encounter challenges. County officials have cautioned that parking rules in coastal regions often face objections from the Coastal Commission, especially when they affect public access.
Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez abstained from voting due to these concerns. Alejo pointed out that even putting up a “no parking” sign could necessitate a coastal development permit, leading to potential legal disputes that could linger for years.
Then there’s the issue of enforcement. Lopez raised the question of who would be responsible for monitoring the regulations, noting that both the California Highway Patrol and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have limited capabilities. He suggested exploring alternatives like reopening parking lots or hiring private contractors to manage traffic and issue warnings.
The board plans to revisit the situation in the coming weeks.
