Residents and business owners urge council to revisit new Cruise Night route; staff say trial aims to improve flow

Several longtime participants in Atascadero’s cruise‑night tradition asked the City Council to rethink changes to the El Camino route and associated logistics planned for the annual cruising weekend.

Mike Jackson, who identified himself as a resident since 1977 and a longtime cruise participant, said the new layout "will not work" and described pedestrian‑vehicle conflicts and lack of convenient spectator parking on the revised route. "The way you have it now, there's no place for spectators to park, too far for them to walk," Jackson said.

Miles Motors owner Ted Miles said the changes will displace a barbecue and other activities that traditionally accompanied the El Camino cruise night, and he warned the shift could move hundreds of cars into downtown and create a large cluster that he believes will hurt local businesses.

City Manager Lewis and event organizers defended the route modifications as a trial intended to improve flow, limit entries to 200 cars to preserve a higher‑quality show, and better integrate downtown restaurants and entertainment. "We're down to 200 cars because we want a quality show," Lewis said, and staff have discussed partnerships with downtown businesses to provide pre‑ and post‑event activity opportunities.

Council members acknowledged concerns and said they want to monitor the trial. The consent calendar — which included approval of the cruise‑weekend logistics and other routine items — passed unanimously.

Staff said the city will not sell tickets for show entry the night of the cruise and advised attendees to preregister and plan parking. Officials also said they will observe how the new configuration performs and can adjust for future events.