MCBC opens new bike lane

By Joe Wolfcale
Ross Valley Reporter, August 4, 2010

City and county representatives as well as members of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition unveiled a new bike lane along Novato’s Alameda del Prado Monday, but the main attraction watched from the sidewalk, sidelined by injury.

Marin County District 5 Supervisor Judy Arnold was set to lead a group of cyclists along the main stretch of bike lane, but had to sit out the festivities after sustaining minor injuries in a mountain biking accident at Rush Creek last week.

And Arnold, the board’s president, had the bumps and bruises to prove it.

“I feel bad, but my trusted aide Tanya is going to ride for me,” said Arnold, resplendent in a bright gold pant suit and sunglasses. “I think I’ll be riding again soon. But I guess I can be here in spirit.”

It was joyous occasion for those in the cycling community as the Alameda del Prado stretch closes a 1-mile gap between what cycling enthusiasts hope will be a major north-south link, creating safe pathways for cyclists and pedestrians alike throughout Marin.

Arnold said she was pleased by the collaborative efforts of the local government, the work of the MCBC and nearly $1 million in federal funds that helped make the new bike lane a reality.

“This is a major step and I’m really excited about this day,.” she said.

Following the ceremonial bike ride, Arnold spoke briefly to the two dozen or so cyclists who participated and a number of city and county dignitaries who showed their approval.

One of those was Novato Mayor Jeanne MacLeamy.

“I think it really demonstrates collaboration on everyone’s part, including the neighbors, who absolutely had to be on board with it,” MacLeamy said.

MCBC has a number of other projects pending this year. Ultimately, cyclists will be able to ride one continuous path from Larkspur to the north end of Novato, near the Indian Valley College campus.

“I’m very pleased; I think we have a fantastic result here,” MCBC Executive Director Kim Baenisch said.

Baenisch said two other projects, the Lincoln Hill pathway at the north end of San Rafael and the Cal Park Hill Tunnel, are nearing completion.

One of the riders who participated in Monday’s ride was pharmacy technician Steve Freitas.

“It feels so much safer now than back in the day,” said Freitas, who lives near the Pacheco Pathway in Novato. “I love the changes. For more than 20 years, it was just a road where people drove faster than they should.

“Now I really feel safer because the lines are much more delineated than before.”

Another Monday participant was Cinda Weisgerber, who will use the pathway to help make her commute easier.

“I’m really stoked about all this,” Weisgerber said. “I ride this route frequently between jobs.”