Readers' Forum, Saturday, January 26, 2008
Marin IJ

Let's get smart about parking

Patrick Seidler and Deb Hubsmith propose that the Golden Gate Bridge District not spend $20 million on a new auto parking lot for Larkspur ferry users, but instead spend $12 million to complete the Corte Madera Creek crossing for cyclists (Marin Voice, Jan. 7).

Pat and Deb have a good point. If we continue to have our transit district just spend money on car-related solutions, we are continuing to support the No. 1 problem identified by Marin residents in a recent poll, traffic congestion. If you build it, they will come - cars, that is.

We should be trying to make Marin a smarter place for people to live in healthy community, happy to be traffic-congestion free. It seems when we consider the changes we might have to make in our individual lives to achieve our community goals, those changes go the way of New Year's resolutions. However, 27 percent of Larkspur ferry riders polled before the new year said they would bike to the ferry if a safe crossing existed.

It is ludicrous to think that people who take the ferry to avoid traffic congestion would not seriously consider making some lifestyle changes to make Marin a smarter county. A parking garage at the terminal is for car parking; the Corte Madera Creek crossing is for people who cycle and walk.

To be smart, we must start shifting our spending from cars and infrastructure that supports their use toward people who with a choice would walk or use a train, bike or ferry.

Scott Hochstrasser, Fairfax

Not all would ride, but many

As someone who has biked to the Larkspur ferry for a regular commute into San Francisco in the past, I'd like to share my view regarding Patrick Seidler and Deb Hubsmith's Jan. 7 Marin Voice.

I recognize that bike riding to the ferry is not for everyone - but for those who can, this ride rates as one of those best-kept secrets in Marin.

Riding my bike to the ferry has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. It was never a difficult ride and although I had a management position in the city, I could easily carry what I needed in my backpack. If I needed to deal with some sweat, I kept extra clothes at my office.

The best part though was how it made me feel. It invigorated me in the morning and at the end of the day and I stayed slim and energetic well into middle age without having to spend time in the gym.

Carol Brandt had a good suggestion - take a poll of ferry riders to get their view. Golden Gate Transit actually did that in March 2006 and found that 27 percent of riders would bicycle to the ferry if paths were improved. Again, choosing the bike path is not for everyone, but 27 percent taking bikes would eliminate the need for a new parking structure.

That's another reason why Seidler and Hubsmith's idea of building the Central Marin Ferry Connection makes sense sooner rather than later.

Tom Flynn, Larkspur