Pilot Program Updates
Click here to read about Marin County's selection as a Nonmotorized Pilot. For more information, contact Deb Hubsmith, MCBC Advocacy Director, at (415) 454-7430, or deb@marinbike.org
- Summer 2008 Update, July 2008
- What traffic signals don’t detect bikes? Let the County know!, May 2008
- Marin County selects bicycling as a top priority, April 29, 2008
- Los Ranchitos Road in San Rafael to get new bike lanes, March 6, 2008
- Alameda del Prado in Novato to get new bike lanes, March 6, 2008
- Marin reduces 131,000 vehicle miles daily through bike/ped trips, February 27, 2008
- $1.6M Allocated for the Steps, Lanes, and Paths (SLP) Program, February, 2008
- Interactive Map Shows Pilot Program Implementation, January, 2008
- Marin County Bike/Ped Counts Show Significant Increase, January, 2008
- Winter 2008 Update, January, 2008
- Fall 2007 Update, October, 2007
- Complete Update Log
Pilot Program Update
From MCBC's Summer 2008 Pedal Press
July, 2008
Marin County is hard at work implementing the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, a $25 million federal project that seeks to show how walking and bicycling can constitute a significant portion of the transportation load in four selected communities, including Marin.
Traffic counts comparing 1999 and 2007 bicycle counts in 20 locations in Marin show that bicycle commuting has already increased 66% during that time period, while crashes fell by 34%. The County and the Transportation Authority of Marin are gearing up to do bicycle and pedestrian traffic counts again at these same locations in 2008, 2009 and 2010 to continue to monitor our progress.
The “Way to Go” program kicks off in Sausalito this summer and provides a concentrated investment in promotions and events to get more people walking and bicycling. This program, funded through the Pilot, will rotate to three other communities throughout Marin in the coming years, and is being evaluated in a consistent method with the other three national demonstration sites.
Throughout April and May, the County collected a list of intersections in Marin County where traffic lights don’t detect bicyclists (that is, the light-changing mechanism is not triggered by the presence of a bicyclist). By mid-summer, it’s expected that the County will approve a final list of intersections that will have video cameras installed so that the traffic signals will respond to the presence of bicyclists. MCBC helped to publicize this process, and we thank our many members that responded with information on locations that need help.
The County, as well as cities and towns, is also hard at work implementing the twenty infrastructure projects that were approved for funding through the Pilot program. You can view fact sheets and check progress for most of these programs through an interactive GIS map at the County’s Pilot Program website.
Also, from September 22 to 25, 2008, representatives from the three other Pilot communities (Minneapolis, MN; Sheboygan, WI; and Columbia, MO), the Federal Highway Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, will be traveling to Marin for the annual planning meeting of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program. This will provide an exciting opportunity to showcase the projects in Marin that are being funded by the Pilot, and to plan together with the other communities and federal partners for future reports to Congress.
For more information on the Pilot Program, see the County’s website.
What traffic signals don’t detect bikes? Let the County know!
May, 2008
Ever pulled up to a traffic signal on your bike and waited for the light to change . . . and waited . . . and waited? Signals frequently use 'inductive loops' embedded in the pavement which require a certain amount of metal in a vehicle to trigger the signal - and many times bicycles and motorcycles don't have enough. The Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program has funds allocated to upgrade signals with video detection, a technology that uses cameras to 'see' when a cyclist is present. The current call for projects is to solicit ideas for intersections where video detection is needed. Funds will be allocated based on ranking and scoring criteria adopted by the Board of Supervisors in April, 2007.
An informational sheet with details is available at WalkBikeMarin, but all you have to do is send an email (with all of your proposed sites) to walkbikemarin@co.marin.ca.us by Wednesday, June 4. For EACH location, please provide:
- Intersection location (streets)
- City or Community where it is located, and
- Specific issues you have noticed about this intersection (e.g. left turn signal from southbound Jones St. to eastbound Smith Ave. never changes unless there is a car there).
This is a great opportunity to improve bicycle safety – please submit your ideas to the County!
Marin County selects bicycling as a top priority
April 29, 2008
On Tuesday, April 29, the Marin County Board of Supervisors selected five projects as top priority initiatives for the next two years, and advancing the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Non-motorized Model for Marin County was selected as one of the five priorities. Other adopted priorities include: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Expanded Emergency Preparedness, Watershed Stewardship, and Roads and Bridges.
As part of this designation, it was discussed at the meeting that Marin County plans to allocate $2 million to advance the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Pilot Program agenda. These funds will be used to improve capital projects ($1.35M), conduct regular sweeping along roadway bicycle routes over the next three year ($450,000), and hiring staff and consultants to manage projects ($200,000).
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition sends our sincere thanks to the Board of Supervisors for their ongoing and deepening commitment to bicycle and pedestrian transportation, which can help with reducing traffic, improving health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and emergency access. It is MCBC’s hope that our model program in Marin will lead to programs and evaluation analysis that will help to change national policies and funding allocations to make America more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
Los Ranchitos Road in San Rafael to get new bike lanes
March 6, 2008
On Tuesday February 26, plans for new bike lanes on Los Ranchitos Road in San Rafael were unveiled. This project is part of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program in Marin County and will help to connect the new bike and pedestrian pathway currently being constructed between Lincoln Avenue and the 101 Freeway (part of the Gap Closure Project) and North San Pedro Road. This connection represents one more completed segment of the North-South Bikeway, and will be a welcome addition to cyclists who use this stretch of road for both commuting and recreation.
The project will begin at the top of Lincoln Avenue where the road becomes Los Ranchitos, and will extend down Los Ranchitos to North San Pedro Road. Five-foot bike lanes will be striped for most of the project. In addition, intersection improvements at North San Pedro Road include the likely use of video detection systems (helping to trigger light changes), improved crosswalks, and a new pedestrian pathway from the nearby apartments. Cyclists coming from North San Pedro towards Lincoln Avenue will be able to cross Lincoln and get on to the new multi-use path at a new signalized crossing which is being designed specifically for cyclists.
Construction is expected to begin and finish later this year. MCBC will keep you up-to-date with progress as we continue to track the project. Thanks to Supervisor Susan Adams for hosting the public meeting last Tuesday (well attended by cyclists and MCBC supporters), as well as the numerous County staffers who have worked very hard on this project.
Alameda del Prado in Novato to get new bike lanes
March 6, 2008
On Wednesday, February 27, plans for new bike lanes along a section of Alameda del Prado in Novato were unveiled. Just like the new Los Ranchitos Road bike lane project, this work is being done as part of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program. Work will begin next year, as the moving of some utilities underground (allowing for more road width) must first be completed. This project helps to complete the North-South Bikeway, and is along a transportation route regularly used by cyclists.
The project will feature five-foot bike lanes and intersection improvements, including better crosswalks and the tightening of curve radii (to slow-turning motorists). Thanks to Supervisor Judy Arnold for hosting the public meeting last Wednesday (well attended by local residents, cyclists, and MCBC supporters) as well as the numerous County staffers who are working hard to ensure that this project is well designed and implemented.
Marin reduces 131,000 vehicle miles daily through bike/ped trips
February 27, 2008
The County of Marin announced on February 27, the release of a national report to Congress which includes big news for the positive impacts of bicycling and walking in Marin. For the first time, the U.S. Department of Transportation confirms in an interim report to Congress on the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (the $25 million that Marin is receiving over four years) the climate benefits that can be gained by a community that embraces bicycle and pedestrian travel. The non-motorized trips covered in the report are also viewed as critical parts of the nation’s surface transportation system.
The federal report reveals that, for eastern Marin, bicycling and walking trips are 13.6% of total person trips where commonly cited data place this figure near 9.5 percent nationally.
Of critical importance is the fact that these levels of non-motorized transportation reduce total vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) in eastern Marin by an estimated 48.3 million miles over the course of a year, or over 131,000 miles each day. Based on the annual VMT reductions reported, a saving of more than $8.3 million in fuel costs alone, and a reduction of 20,932 metric tons of C02 emissions can be projected. Such a VMT reduction is an essential ingredient, along with improved automobiles and fuels, in meeting the nation’s goals of fighting global warming and achieving greater energy independence.
Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey notes that “This program, and its legacy, will change the face of transportation in communities across the country. Its contribution, and that of walking and bicycling, to the nation’s fight against global warming will be notable.”
Click here for a copy of this interim report. A final report on the program will be published in 2011. In the meantime, progress can be monitored and additional information on the local program can be obtained on Marin’s program website.
$1.6M Allocated for the Steps, Lanes, and Paths (SLP) Program
February, 2008
As part of the Board of Supervisors approval in April, 2007, $1,634,000 was allocated for the Steps, Lanes, and Paths (SLP) program. SLP's are mid-block paths connecting two streets and are typically the passages that once provided access to the former rail stations and downtown areas.
A call for projects has been issued for this program. Cities and towns in Marin are invited to submit proposals; proposals are due by March 7. Proposals will be scored based on ranking and scoring criteria adopted by the NTPP Advisory Committee last year. Final funding decisions will be made by the Board of Supervisors. Click here to download more information and submittal requirements in PDF form.
Interactive Map Shows Pilot Program Implementation
January, 2008
The County of Marin, which manages the $25 million Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, has created an interactive map that allows you to view all of the Pilot Program projects on one map. You can zoom in to a particular area and pan around. Existing facilities are noted as are major activity nodes to show how the Pilot projects relate to those facilities. Fact sheets for each project can be viewed by clicking on the project link on the map (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view - make sure your pop-up blocker is disabled). Fact sheets are available for all currently-active projects while new fact sheets will be added as the scopes of the remaining projects are finalized. The fact sheets will also be updated as projects progress, so you can stay on top of what's happening.
Click here to view the interactive map on the Projects and Programs page.
Marin County Bike/Ped Counts Show Significant Increase
January, 2008
Overall biking and walking activity countywide has increased significantly since 1999. A September, 2007 survey and count project revealed that, on average, the number of cyclists increased by 66% on weekdays and 33% on weekends when compared with a similar count conducted in 1999. Pedestrian activity on average increased 8% on weekdays, but decreased by 22% on weekends during the same period. Between the pedestrians and cyclists surveyed, by not driving for the trip counted they collectively saved over $10,000 in fuel costs and reduced CO2 emissions by 32 tons.
Supervisor Charles McGlashan commented, “This upsurge in biking and walking shows that giving people safe alternatives to the car can work in reducing auto trips and congestion. The automobile is not always the trip of choice when people see safe and readily available alternatives. People are already voting with their bikes and feet!”
Supervisor Steve Kinsey added, “These are encouraging statistics. They indicate that our priority focus and associated investments are improving biking and walking in our County. These results should inspire us to aggressively continue our efforts.”
The counts and surveys are part of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program’s evaluation where surveys and counts are being conducted to measure the Program’s effectiveness. Community-wide surveys conducted in fall of 2006 and the location-specific counts and surveys conducted in fall of 2007 establish the baseline condition. The same surveys and counts will be conducted again in fall of 2010 at the conclusion of the Pilot Program to evaluate the degree of change.
Click here to read the complete press release from Craig Tackabery.
Pilot Program Update
From MCBC's Winter 2008 Pedal Press
January, 2008
Have you been wondering how many folks are walking and biking in your neighborhood these days? We sure have been, because the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program’s funds are supposed to help Marin County built out our bike/ped network to maximize non-motor-vehicle travel. Answers are on the way. In the coming months, we’ll see the release of two new reports on bicycle and pedestrian use in Marin County.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Counts: In September 2007, the County of Marin conducted bicycle and pedestrian traffic counts at 20 different locations to see how much non-polluting traffic our current facilities generate. The numbers will be compared to the only other available counts, which were conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission at the same locations in 1999.
Mode Share: The Federal Highways Administration will soon release the Interim National Report on the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program. This report will include information about baseline mode-share and about driving miles that are being avoided due to walking and bicycling.
Check our website, www.marinbike.org for updates on these forthcoming reports
Pilot Program Update
From MCBC's Fall 2007 Pedal Press
October, 2007
The County of Marin continues to move forward with implementation of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, a federal demonstration project which aims to quantify the extent to which walking and bicycling can represent a major part of the transportation solution in four selected communities, including Marin.
Every two weeks, I participate with County staffers Craig Tackabery and Dan Dawson in “Working Group” conference-call meetings with the Federal Highway Administration, the Volpe Institute, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and representatives from the other three pilot communities. These meetings ensure coordination among the pilots and consistency with regards to reporting and methods of evaluation. Representatives from each pilot community gathered at the RTC Trail Link Conference in Portland, Oregon in August and gave presentations to the 300 conference participants on the program’s progress to date. We will meet again this October in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, which is one of the pilot communities.
An interim report on baseline data and implementation of the Pilot Program was prepared by the Working Group and is currently under review by the Secretary of Transportation. It should be presented to Congress this fall; watch for an update and a link to the report in MCBC’s email Weekly Bulletin.
At the local level, County staff is working on contract approvals for the $20 million in projects that were selected for funding by the Board of Supervisors in April. During the second week of September, bicycle and pedestrian traffic counts were taken at 18 locations in Marin; these numbers will be compared to counts taken at the same locations again in 2010, augmenting additional evaluation efforts. In October, dozens of engineers and planners in Marin are taking part in two-day training sessions on design techniques for the construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Soon, County staff will be presenting a plan to the Board of Supervisors for leveraging additional funds for implementation of the Pilot Program, and an application procedure for local jurisdictions to apply for funding within four designated countywide elements: bike parking, striping, intersection improvements, and steps, lanes and paths. If you have ideas for projects, please contact me at deb@marinbike.org.
For additional information, see the County’s website www.walkbikemarin.org, and MCBC’s website, www.marinbike.org. MCBC is very pleased to have the opportunity to work with the County of Marin and the US DOT on this national demonstration project.
