Assuring Access
Some citizens and politicians suggest that any effort that reduces available parking for Point Lobos — such as limiting the spots on the highway, instituting a reservation system, or shuttling visitors into the Reserve — could somehow unfairly restrict access to the California coast.
Everyone has the right to come to Point Lobos. And no one should erect barriers that would (unintentionally or not) have the effect of shutting some people out from Point Lobos.
At the same time, there are hard, physical limitations that prevent Point Lobos from welcoming everyone who wants to visit whenever they would like. That is especially true when everyone tries to drive into the Reserve at the same time.
More importantly, no one should risk death or maiming on the highway in the name of unfettered access to the coast.
To date, the State of California has not provided sufficient funds to State Parks to build the solution Point Lobos really needs: A large parking area near the Reserve with convenient access to Point Lobos. .
Photo by Chris Gordon
Access to Point Lobos and other coastal locations is, unquestionably, a worthy value. We support policies and programs that protect fair access to the coast for all. And that also reasonably accommodate a safe visit to the Reserve for all.
Until much more robust parking facilities are built, Point Lobos lacks the capacity to accommodate all the people who want to visit the place.
Under current conditions, giving priority to Access inevitably means shortchanging Safety. Parking capacity near Point Lobos doesn’t magically expand when visitors show up. So young children, people with mobility challenges, and everyone else seeking entry to the Reserve end up trekking for miles on an active highway dodging vehicles traveling at high speed.
Should someone have to risk their life to access the coast?
The Access Paradox
Ironically, privileging Access over Safety has the unintended consequence of actually reducing access.
How could that be?
The current parking situation at Point Lobos is not equitable. Families who arrive to find the tiny Point Lobos parking lot full, or those who cannot safely walk long distances along Highway 1, or who are less physically able often lose access altogether. They arrive at Point Lobos only to find it inaccessible to them. Disappointed, they turn around and journey back home never having experienced the Reserve.
It may not be obvious, but a managed approach to access such as a reservation system paired with the ParkIt shuttle system creates opportunities for everyone to experience Point Lobos. State Parks officials working on the new reservation system for Point Lobos, and the multi-agency consortium planning the shuttle system are designing access programs that specifically assure more opportunities for those who are currently underserved to access the wonders of Point Lobos.
The Solutions we’re recommending to meet the formidable challenges visitors to Point Lobos face strike a reasonable balance between two worthy goals: Access and Safety.
Our intent is to assure that everyone enjoys a safe journey to the Coast. Safe parking when they arrive. And safe passage to a relaxed, carefree visit to one of the most beautiful, special places on the planet.