Demonstration Bicycle Route Stencils
Installed in San Anselmo

Send Supportive Comments to: relias@midas.org (Rabi Elias, Public Works Director)

May 12, 2003: "Bike in the House" bicycle route stencils were painted last week on San Anselmo Avenue. In February, the San Anselmo Town Council had approved of the plan to install bicycle route stencils along San Anselmo Avenue, from Bolinas Avenue to Landsdale Station.

San Anselmo is the first City in Marin County to use these stencils, which are designed to span the traffic lane, and are a safety mechanism used when the roadway width is not wide enough to install "bike lanes." The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is encouraging members to write to the Public Works Director praising the town for the stencils. Please send supportive comments to relias@midas.org. Community feedback will determine if other bicycle routes (especially school routes, will also be stenciled.)

The stenciling project was included as a "short term initiative" in the Bicycle Transportation Plan that was approved the Town Council in the Spring of 2001. The Bicycle Transportation Plan was drafted by a citizen advisory committee (the Bicycle Task Force) which took two years working with the Town to develop the plan.

The stenciling project was recommended to the San Anselmo Town Council for implementation by the Public Works Director, Rabi Elias. His report to the Council stated, "This project is a demonstration project that we will observe and analyze the feedback from the bicyclists and motorists."

Jerry Pompili, a San Anselmo resident who served on the Bicycle Task Force states, "The stencils are a very important project that will improve safety and help students who are cycling to schools. With the success of the demonstration project, we look forward to the installation of these stencils in other locations, primarily along school bicycle routes."

Deb Hubsmith, executive director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition says, "It's very exciting to see the San Anselmo's bicycle plan being implemented. This project will make bicycling safer, more convenient and more visible. The stenciling is also perfect timing for Bike to Work Week, which is May 12-16.

If you live in San Anselmo and would like to join the Marin County Bicycle Coalition's San Anselmo Chapter, please email or call eric@marinbike.org, 415-456-3469 x4#.