Agency wants bike path on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

By Mark Prado
Marin IJ, April 4, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO - Backers of a plan to create a bicycle and pedestrian path on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge got a boost Thursday when a key agency encouraged access, despite opposition from Caltrans.

The Bay Conservation and Development Commission voted 14-2 to support the concept of creating access on the bridge, which would cost $55 million.

"It's incumbent on BCDC to talk about bike and pedestrian access on the bridge instead of yielding to more cars," said Marin Supervisor Charles McGlashan, a commission member. "This is exactly what we need to do as an agency."

The California Department of Transportation is looking at the possibility of creating a third bridge lane - making three in each direction - to handle increasing traffic. There is no timetable for that to occur.

Because it has a say in development near water, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission would have to give an OK for that to happen. As part of the approval, it could require Caltrans to grant access to bicycles and pedestrians.

Thursday's vote was symbolic, but it indicated that the commission likes the idea of access for bicycles and pedestrians on the bridge and wants to see Caltrans take a closer look at the issue.

Under the plan during nonpeak commute hours, a barrier would be moved into place on the upper deck to create an 8-foot-wide lane for bicyclists and pedestrians. There are three lanes on the span, but only two are used for traffic. The third is an auxiliary lane.

But Caltrans has come out against the plan, saying mixing cars with bikers and pedestrians on the span limits lane width and is too dangerous.

"In this case, it is safety that has to rule," said Bijan Sartipi, director of Caltrans District 4, which encompasses the Bay Area. He also said his agency could face lawsuits if an accident were to occur.

Caltrans said traffic accidents would go up by 200 percent on the span if a moveable barrier was put up.

"It's hard to second-guess Caltrans on safety," said Sean Randolph, chairman of the commission.

But supporters of the plan noted that during the recent retrofit of the bridge, the number of accidents decreased by 30 percent between 2002 and 2005, when cement barriers were placed on the span to create work space.

"We can do things like get people to slow down on the bridge (to allow for safe access)," said Joan Lundstrom, commission member and Larkspur city councilwoman.

The commission asked Caltrans to produce a report within the next six months that more clearly defines the potential for accidents.

Proponents of the Bay Trail, which would link Bay Area towns, also spoke in favor of bridge access, saying it would provide an important link for the project.

For the past 10 years, cycling backers have been calling for a bicycle lane the length of the 4.5-mile span.