March 12, 2004

Mr. Bob Hare
California State Parks, Northern Service Center
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

Re: Comments on the Preliminary General Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Report for Tomales Bay State Park

Dear Mr. Hare:

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) appreciates the opportunity to submit comments on the Preliminary General Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Report for Tomales Bay State Park.

The MCBC is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1998 to promote safe bicycling for everyday transportation and recreation. We promote bicycling as a way to improve public health, increase recreational opportunities, decrease traffic congestion, improve the environment, and provide benefits for public safety.

As a result of attending the February 24, 2004 public informational meeting, MCBC has a greater appreciation of the challenge faced in planning for seven disconnected land parcels that comprise the Tomales Bay State Park. We applaud the stated desire to "coordinate the planned uses of these parcels so they can, as much as possible, function as a whole despite their separation."

MCBC's specific interests are the accessibility and safety accommodations within the park for bicycle and pedestrian visitors. A large user group of the Tomales Bay State Park and throughout West Marin are bicyclists, although their needs are minimally addressed in the draft report. The following comments are intended to help clarify the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians, and to provide design guidelines that will accommodate them effectively throughout the park.

1. Pedestrian Crossings
   • Wherever parkland is accessible to pedestrians (trails, paths, etc.) on BOTH sides of Highway 1, pedestrian crossings should be located every .25 miles. Any further interval than this and pedestrians may cross at unsafe, unmarked locations.
   • Pedestrian crossings should utilize up-to-date crossing treatments consistent with the rural and natural character of the park. High-visibility "ladder" type pavement crosswalks and advance warning signs are recommended to warn motorists of the possible presence of pedestrians.
2. Bicycle Parking
   • It is essential to provide adequate secure bicycle parking for visitors arriving by bicycles. Provision of bike racks encourages visitors to ride instead of driving, thus lessening impact the on fragile public lands and the environment.
   • Bicycle parking should be located as close as possible to the cyclists' destination. If bicycle parking is more than 20-30 feet from a destination, cyclists may ride past racks and lock up to other objects such as signs or trees. This may also encourage cyclists to ride in inappropriate or illegal areas.
   • Bicycle parking is especially important at locations where cyclists arrive by bicycle to engage in another activity. This includes hiking, boating, swimming, bird-watching, camping, etc.
   • Many companies provide secure bicycle parking for recreational uses. Examples of possible fixtures and placements can be found under the bicycle parking products listing at www.creativepipe.com.
3. Automobile Parking
   • If possible, a net REDUCTION in the number of total car parking spaces would help to encourage visitors to arrive by biking or walking. In general, 20 bicycles can fit within the space of one automobile parking space.
   • Where automobile parking is to be "improved," consider alternative lot treatments such as plantable pavers and permeable/pervious concrete/asphalt surfaces in lieu of traditional asphalt which can exacerbate runoff problems into Tomales Bay.
4. We encourage planning and analysis of including an off-street path that runs the length of the 12-mile linear park to ensure safe bicycle access. Walking and bicycling along this main route should be incorporated as a primary means of improving the aesthetic experience of this corridor for all users. Consider using permeable trail surfaces such as those being experimented with by the NPS at the Red Barn to reduce environmental impact and runoff issues.
5. Develop a park-wide proposal to address the need for alternative transportation options to access the park and circulate within it. This would include promoting walking, bicycling and transit services to offset private automobile impacts.
6. Wherever possible and where appropriate for transportation purposes, make bicycle access a priority on roads and trails within the parklands.
7. Encourage walking and bicycling as a mitigation for the impacts of motor vehicles on the park.
8. Improve the "Growth-Inducing Impacts" of the plan by positively impacting the local fitness economy. Encouraging cycling along the Highway 1 corridor through the park will greatly benefit small businesses - gift shops, cafes, restaurants - in the nearby communities.
9. Recognize that bicycling and walking - especially in conjunction with proposed transit partnerships - are viable modes for accessing and circulating within the park. The statement, "Most of the visitors will arrive by private vehicle" (pg. 46) should not be accepted as confirming the status quo and abdicating from the need to encourage other modes.
10. The opportunity for individual camping should be preserved at Heart's Desire Beach. At least 1-2 hike/bike campsites should be preserved here to encourage visitors to arrive by foot or bicycle. Limit vehicle access to the existing beach parking lot, with the exception of a limited number of ADA-accessible sites at the proposed new individual campgrounds. Requiring some walking to access the campsites will help preserve the wilderness experience of camping, as well as encourage walking within the park as a form of transportation.

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The Marin County Bicycle Coalition applauds the work you have done on this planning document. We are available to answer any questions you have regarding our comments, and welcome your feedback. You can reach me at 415-456-3469 x1#.

Thank you for consideration of our comments. We look forward to hearing back from you and to increasing opportunities for people to access Tomales Bay State Park on foot and by bicycle.

Sincerely,

 

Deb Hubsmith
Executive Director