News Articles and Stories
EYE ON:
California’s Cal Park Tunnel
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rails to Trails magazine, Fall 2010
[L]ater this fall, pedestrians will soon have direct access to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, as well as a future SMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit) station at the south portal.
Editorial: SMART bike path not the first place to cut
Marin IJ, July 5, 2010
IN A SOBERING ASSESSMENT of the current and future finances of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit bicounty commuter train plan, the Marin County civil grand jury is urging officials to come up with a "Plan B."
Marin Voice: Make the roads safer for everyone
Marin IJ, July 9, 2010
WE HAVE all witnessed bicyclists behaving badly on the roads - blowing through stop signs, running red lights, or riding in the wrong direction on the road.
Officials plan bridge over Sir Francis Drake Boulevard for bikers and walkers in Larkspur
Marin IJ, June 14, 2010
Bicyclists and pedestrians could have a new way to cross busy East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Larkspur as plans for an overpass to cross the busy thoroughfare move ahead.
California's Cal Park Hill Tunnel opens soon
BikeRadar.com, May 13, 2010
California’s Marin County will complete a bicycle and pedestrian tunnel, which will allow cyclists and walkers safe passage between the cities of San Rafael and Larkspur this fall.
Cal Park Hill Tunnel project gets final dollars, to open in October
Marin IJ, April 29, 2010
The Cal Park Hill Tunnel is expected to open to the public in October after a regional agency this week approved almost $3 million for final work on the project.
County winds down bike lane project in Ignacio
Marin IJ, April 29, 2010
Construction crews are a few weeks away from finishing a nearly $1 million bike lane project in Ignacio that will help preserve the safety of two-wheeled riders who often came within inches of moving cars on the dangerous half-mile stretch.
Marin Voice: Protecting this precious Earth
Marin IJ, April 22, 2010
All too often in our day-to-day lives, we forget to celebrate our amazing home, planet Earth, which gives us and all other species the means of life, including air, food and water.
Fairfax considers $8.1 million bike link to San Anselmo, San Rafael
Marin IJ, April 11, 2010
Bicycle advocates and Fairfax officials are touting an ambitious new plan to build a connecting series of bike paths linking Fairfax with downtown San Rafael.
Upfront: Riders on the storm
SMART gets a lift on bike coalition handle bars...
Pacific Sun, April 8, 2010
Bicycle advocates say they're ready and able to help the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District close a $155 million projected shortfall for the rail project planned to run between Marin and Sonoma counties.
Sausalito Council to Add Bike Parking, But Doesn’t Discuss Rental Fee
Streetsblog, April 7, 2010
Sausalito remains a free city today, at least when it comes to parking for tourist rental bikes. Instead of adding fees for tourist bike parking, the city will add racks to accommodate 300 more bikes for the expected crush of two-wheeled summer tourists.
Marin scores another $6 million for bike paths
Marin IJ, April 6, 2010
The extra money designated for Marin County bicycle and pedestrian programs was included as part of a $15 billion bill signed by President Obama last month that extended federal highway and transit programs through Dec. 31.
Marin Voice: Working together for a solution
By Lillian Hames and Deb Hubsmith
Marin IJ, April 1, 2010
THE IJ's recent page 1 story about funding for the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit bicycle and pedestrian pathway, and Monday's editorial cartoon on the same subject, were full of drama and conflict.
Roll Model - Executive director of Marin County Bicycle Coalition rides a rewarding path as an advocate for cyclists
Marin IJ, March 7, 2010
Kim Baenisch has been the executive director for the Marin County Bicycle Coalition since March 2005. The organization has been working to improve the county’s roads and paths for walkers and bikers since it was formed in 1998.
Bike group slams report on Mill Valley-Corte Madera link
Marin IJ, January 26, 2010
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition presented the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday with a scathing critique of a draft report that evaluates the relative merits of three bicycle/pedestrian routes connecting Mill Valley and Corte Madera.
Survey: More people walking and biking in Marin
Marin IJ, December 1, 2009
The number of people getting around Marin by pedal power or their own two feet has jumped in the past decade, according to a county survey of pathways.
New racks mean more space for bicycles on buses
Marin IJ, July 29, 2009
Bus-riding bicyclists will have more area to store their bikes as the Golden Gate Transit adds new, expanded racks to half of its fleet.
Tam Valley bicyclist's accident spurs safety measures
Marin IJ, July 26, 2009
Decades after residents and local leaders began calling for improved safety measures on a dangerous stretch of Shoreline Highway in Tamalpais Valley, a tragic bicycle accident earlier this year has nudged such change closer to reality.
Tam Valley bicycle accident jump-starts call for road safety
Marin IJ, June 14, 2009
A San Francisco woman is continuing her recovery from devastating injuries suffered last month when she was hit by two cars while riding her bicycle in Tamalpais Valley, and local residents and groups have jump-started a call for safer road conditions
SMART committed to roll forward
Marin IJ, June 11, 2009
THIS IS AN EXCITING time for all of us associated with the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District.
Work begins on bike lanes on San Rafael's Puerto Suello Hill
Marin IJ, June 9, 2009
Work is under way to add dedicated bicycle lanes on Puerto Suello Hill as part of a regional effort to connect northern and southern Marin.
Kim Baenisch: Injured cyclist a tragic reminder
Marin IJ, May 30, 2009
ON MAY 26, Claire Diepenbrock, a 26-year-old cyclist, was seriously injured on Shoreline Highway in Mill Valley. This is a tragedy that could have been prevented.
Larkspur ferry terminal more bicycle friendly
Marin IJ, April 26, 2009
The Golden Gate Bridge District has made good on a promise to improve bicycle amenities at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal after it got busted for allowing cars to park on a bike and pedestrian path.
Marin’s Cal Park Tunnel To Open by February 2010
Streetsblog, April 2, 2009
Within a few weeks, there should literally be a light at the end of the Cal Park tunnel for cyclists commuting from San Rafael to the Larkspur ferry.
San Rafael OKs design plans for miles of biking, walking lanes
Marin IJ, February 18, 2009
Design plans for federally funded alternative transportation projects in San Rafael were unanimously approved Tuesday by the City Council.
Caltrans rejects bike lane on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
Marin IJ, February 5, 2009
A Marin-led push to create bicycle and pedestrian access on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge has been shot down again by California Department of Transportation officials, who say it's too dangerous
Plans detailed in San Rafael for web of paths, bike lanes
Marin IJ, January 26, 2009
Landscaped walking and bicycling paths, enhanced crosswalks, curb ramps and other amenities aimed at getting people out of their cars were detailed at a meeting Monday in San Rafael as planners gear up to put a $25 million federal grant to work in Marin.
SMART offers a green alternative
Marin IJ, September 22, 2008
AS COMMITTED Marin County environmentalists, we support Measure Q - the Nov. 4 ballot measure for the SMART passenger train and bicycle-pedestrian pathway.
Train and pathway a smart choice
Marin IJ Op Ed page, September 2, 2008
THE NEW WAVE of dishonest statements about the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit bicycle-pedestrian pathway being made by opponents is a terrible, desperate, truth-distorting shame.
Bike roadblock busted at Larkspur Ferry Terminal
Marin IJ, July 1, 2008
A bike and pedestrian path covered by parked cars and SUVs for the past five years has caught the attention of a regional planning agency, which is ordering the Golden Gate Bridge District to put an end to the practice at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal.
Agency wants bike path on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
Marin IJ, April 4, 2008
The Bay Conservation and Development Commission voted 14-2 to support the concept of creating access on the bridge, which would cost $55 million.
Panel back plan for bikes on San Rafael bridge
S.F. Chronicle, April 4, 2008
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission backed a plan Thursday to provide pedestrian and bike access to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, but stopped short of demanding Caltrans provide the access
Drake road work a balancing act
Marin IJ, April 1, 2008
For this delicate balancing act to be successful, a spirit of compromise and collaboration will be needed.
If you build it, they will come
Ross Valley Reporter, March 6, 2008
[The] recent passage of the Fairfax Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will likely bring more cycling enthusiasts to the town, as well as encourage walking and biking among residents.
Bicycle advocates face big challenge
Marin IJ, March 3, 2008
MARIN BICYCLE advocates are convinced they can move the needle and get more residents to walk and ride bikes instead of driving cars.
Marin's bike habits detailed in new report
Marin IJ, February 28, 2008
Every day, Marin residents log more than 131,000 miles by bike and on foot, according to the first report on the county's participation in a $100 million nationwide pilot project aimed at getting people out of cars.
Caltrans scuttles bike lane on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
Marin IJ, February 13, 2008
Transportation planners unveiled a $55 million plan Wednesday to create bicycle and pedestrian access on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, but there's a problem: those who operate the bridge want no part of it.
Caltrans rejects bikeway plan for bridge
S.F. Chronicle, February 14, 2008
Bicyclists who have been waiting for three decades for the chance to pedal across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge won't be able to take that trip anytime soon.
Marin Pedals Ahead
Pacific Sun, January 24, 2008
The number of people using bikes to get around has increased at an astonishing rate during the last 10 years.
Patrick Seidler and Deb Hubsmith: Ferry access solutions in works
Marin IJ, January 7, 2008
The most environmentally sound, healthy and cost-effective way of getting people to the Larkspur ferry, one that allows people to arrive and leave when they want to, and all without traffic, is on the way.
Work to reopen Cal Park Hill tunnel may start by June
Marin IJ, November 18, 2007
Construction to reopen the long-closed California Park Hill tunnel for a bike path and a commuter train could start as soon as June based on plans endorsed by the Marin Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
San Rafael introduces safety-conscious 'sharrows'
Marin IJ, November 19, 2007
"Sharrows" - shared lane markings that boast arrows indicating the bicycle lane - have sprung up all over San Rafael thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Bicyclists win fight over preserving Kentfield lane
Marin IJ, October 25, 2007
After an outcry by bicyclists and letters from parents, a new controversial stretch of bicycle lane along College Avenue in Kentfield will remain as is.
Share the Road/Path
Marin Voice (IJ), August 30, 2007
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) has been at the forefront of educating both motorists and cyclists to significantly reduce these incidents.
Counties focus on biking, walking, with eyes set on next transportation bill
County News Online, August 6, 2007
The next federal transportation bill is two years away, but two counties are already laying the groundwork for inclusion of more money for bicycling, trails and walking.
Building bridges for a span across the San Rafael Canal
Marin IJ, July 12, 2007
BUILDING a bridge across the San Rafael Canal drew a lot of support from officials at a forum Tuesday night [July 10, 2007].
Building a better bike lane
Wall Street Journal, May 4, 2007
Bike-friendly cities in Europe are launching a new attack on car culture. Can the U.S. catch up?
Bike-pedestrian plan makes sense
Marin IJ, April 21, 2007
Supervisors were wise to focus on projects that will make a difference right away when they approved a $20 million blueprint for Marin bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
$20 million OK'd for Marin bicycle, walking routes
Marin IJ, April 18, 2007
County supervisors approved $20 million in federal funds to support walking and biking in Marin - but they cut back on plans to reconstruct the old Alto railroad tunnel connecting Corte Madera to Mill Valley.
North-South Greenway will Get People out of Cars
Marin IJ Voice Piece, April 10, 2007
Creating this continuous North-South Greenway is important for long term sustainability, and for health, public safety, emergency access, traffic relief, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Bike committee proposes millions in trail improvements
Marin IJ, February 26, 2007
A county commission that had $25 million to spend on biking trails has come up with a list of projects costing $220 million
Bike pilot program a big opportunity for Marin
Marin IJ, January 28, 2007
With the prospect of significant North Bay transportation improvements looking like a pipe dream, a series of Marin micro projects is on the verge of making the most basic form of mobility, walking and bicycling, much more convenient.
Kinsey fixed on Richmond span bike path
Marin IJ, November 30, 2006
Marin Supervisor Steve Kinsey isn't giving up on his drive to create a bike path across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
Get out of the car and onto the trail
Marin IJ, November 28, 2006
Marin County has $25 million to spend on traffic congestion by building a network of walking and biking trails. The problem is that county officials and bike advocates have at least $100 million worth of ideas to achieve that goal.
Breaking Away from a Bad Commute
Pacific Sun, November 3-9, 2006
[G]etting to work is a breeze for Jeff Allen of Minto and Wilkie Associates, a busy insurance agency in San Rafael. Allen, who lives in Tiburon, rides a bike all the way to work every day, rain or shine, for fun and exercise. Beating a horrible commute is just a bonus.
Deb Hubsmith: Rail with trail is a SMART bargain
Marin IJ, October 18, 2006
THE MARIN County Bicycle Coalition strongly supports the SMART rail-with-trail project and encourages voters to cast their ballots in favor of Measure R.
Closing bike path was wrong move
Marin IJ, October 10, 2006
We applaud Caltrans for wanting to make the path safer. We just wonder why it will take so long.
Bicyclists want path back
Marin IJ, October 7, 2006
The California Department of Transportation's decision to close a walkway in Larkspur along Highway 101 has angered bicyclists and pedestrians.
Pedaling past pain at the pump
Marin IJ, May 19, 2006
Buoyed in part by rising gas prices, local participation was up Thursday in the annual Bike to Work Day, organizers said.
Bike commuting can work
Marin IJ Editorial by Joe Breeze, May 18, 2006
AS I SPED SOUTH on my morning "commute" the other day, I could see that speed was a scarce commodity. Cars were moving at a snail's pace on Highway 101. No, I wasn't on a SMART train. I was on a bicycle.
Try commuting on your bicycle
Marin IJ Editorial by Deb Hubsmith, May 15, 2006
Fortunately, more and more residents are seeking to become a part of the solution by becoming conscious commuters. Many are gearing up for Bike to Work Day on Thursday.
Bold Bike Experiment
Pacific Sun. April 7-13, 2006
Late last month the Marin County Board of Supervisors gave the OK for Marin to participate in a landmark transportation experiment, one that could affect the entire country.
Walking and bike trails get Marin OK
Marin IJ. March 22, 2006
A plan paving the way for a $25 million bicycle and pedestrian trail network was launched Tuesday [March 22, 2006] by Marin officials.
Marin's cycling savvy stands to benefit all of us
Marin IJ. March 12, 2006
DESPITE MARIN'S wealth, high levels of education and sophistication, rarely are the actions of Marin local government held up as national examples of high achievement. One field where Marin has become a model of excellence is bicycle transportation.
Pedal Power: Marin bicycle advocate lobbies for safe routes as well as federal grants
Marin IJ, January 29, 2006
TEN YEARS years after she totaled her car at a freeway exit near Highway 101 in South San Francisco, Deb Hubsmith still cringes at left turns.
Marin's big wheels: How county's bicycle lobby amassed so much influence
Marin IJ, January 29, 2006
From the Marin Civic Center to Sacramento and the halls of Congress, Marin's powerful bicycle lobby has flexed its political muscle, securing millions of dollars for its projects.
Marin group starts process on how to spend $25 million on bike and pedestrian paths
Marin IJ, December 7, 2005
Three county officials and a community bicycle advocate will spend three days next week talking to federal officials about spending Marin's $25 million jackpot in biking and walking trails seed money.
Bikeway Dreams
Pacific Sun, September 23, 2005
After years of planning and hoping, Marin has the funds to create a model program for bike transportation
State Senate to vote on Toll Ban
S.F. Examiner, September 4, 2005
Legislation that would prohibit charging bicyclists or pedestrians a toll to cross any public bridge or roadway in California — including the Golden Gate Bridge — is headed to the state Senate for a vote on Tuesday.
Marin receives $25 Million for Non-Motorized Pilot Program
- County News Online, August 6, 2007: Counties focus on biking, walking, with eyes set on next transportation bill
- Marin IJ, April 18, 2007: $20 million OK'd for Marin bicycle, walking routes
- Marin IJ Voice Piece, April 10, 2007: North-South Greenway will Get People out of Cars
- Marin IJ, February 26, 2007: Bike committee proposes millions in trail improvements
- Marin IJ, January 28, 2007: Bike pilot program a big opportunity for Marin
- Marin IJ, November 28, 2006: Get out of the car and onto the trail
- Pacific Sun, April 7-13, 2006, Bold Bike Experiment
- Marin IJ, March 22, 2006: Walking and bike trails get Marin OK
- Marin IJ, March 12, 2006: Marin's cycling savvy stands to benefit all
- Marin IJ, December 7, 2005: Marin group starts process
- Pacific Sun, September 23, 2005: Bikeway Dreams
- AP, August 6, 2005: Highway bill includes $100 million for trail pilot programs
- Marin IJ, August 5, 2005: $25 million OK'd for bike, walking paths despite lack of plan
- Bay City News, August 3, 2005: Marin Chosen For Pilot Program To Ease Traffic
Fairfax tax hike approved
Marin Independent Journal, June 8, 2005
Fairfax voters did an about-face last night and approved the same $125 municipal services tax increase they rejected in November.
State Ban on Sidewalk Bridge Tolls Opposed
Marin Independent Journal, May 13, 2005
Golden Gate Bridge directors, agitated by what they see as a state attempt to usurp their power, voted yesterday to oppose legislation that would prevent them from charging tolls to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Bridge Sidewalk Tolls Opposed
Marin Independent Journal, May 4, 2005
Golden Gate Bridge officials - who have toyed with the idea of charging tolls to bicyclists and pedestrians - are greeting with some consternation state legislation that would prevent that.
American Heart Association Interview with Deb Hubsmith
Why are 'Safe Routes' programs so important today?
Safe Routes to School is so important because the program provides a way to integrate physical activity into daily lifestyles.
Checkpoints Will Revive Campaign to Share Roads
Marin Independent Journal, June 11, 2004
With stretches of roadway in Marin County among the most dangerous places to bicycle in the Bay Area, bike representatives and law enforcement will team up tomorrow to remind people to share the road....
Bicyclists Add Mettle to the Pedal
Marin Independent Journal, May 30, 2004
From humble origins sewn from the failed 1998 transportation sales tax, the Marin bicycle lobby has grown into a lion and stands to benefit immensely if voters approve a likely November measure....
Cycling Activists Ride Length of Proposed Greenway as Pedaling Commuters Would
Marin Independent Journal, May 17, 2004
Our adventure began like all good adventures, with a heaping helping of blind ignorance....That blessing evaporated right at about the 35th railroad tie....
Bike Commuter of Year Makes Unusually Strong Statement
Marin Independent Journal, May 17, 2004
Marin Bike Commuter of the Year David Strong found something to go with his new commute: a new body....
Measure 2 Passes!
March, 2004
MCBC joins other transportation advocates from around the Bay Area in celebrating the passage of Regional Measure 2, which will provide approximately $125 million/year to fund transportation projects that will relieve congestion on State toll bridges.
Supervisors award contract for Cal Park tunnel design
Marin Independent Journal, October 22, 2003
Preliminary engineering for a project to rehabilitate the California Park Hill tunnel, which connects Larkspur and San Rafael, received a green light yesterday from Marin County supervisors....
Sales tax for local transit pondered
Marin Independent Journal, October 19, 2003
Plans for a possible ballot measure next November on a half-cent transportation sales tax reached a new milestone yesterday, as community leaders outlined where the money should be spent in each section of Marin if voters were to approve such a proposal....
Sausalito Event to Laud Bike Lanes
Marin Independent Journal, September 19, 2003
"We have created a bicycle gateway to Marin County from the south that we hope will serve generations to come," Councilman Paul Albritton said....
Planning Safe Routes to School
Planning Magazine, May, 2003
How do my kids get to school? That's one of the most fundamental transportation questions parents face....
Bills support bike racks on buses
Contra Costa Times, May 2, 2003
Two state lawmakers are attempting to change a little-known law that has hampered bicyclists' ability to ride Bay Area buses.
Richmond-San Rafael span to gain 5.5-mile bicycle lane
Contra Costa Times, October 2, 2002
Thirty years, one drought and plenty of political wrangling after advocates first pushed for a bicycle lane on the Richmond-San Rafael bridge, the project won approval from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission on Thursday.
Bridge bike lane plan gets backing
Contra Costa Times, September 20, 2002
A pitch by several dozen cyclists convinced a Bay Area planning board Thursday to support adding bike lanes to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
Nation's bike lane bill passed
Marin Independent Journal, August 19, 2002
Those who like to bike and walk along local thoroughfares got a boost from the Legislature. Assemblyman Joe Nation, D-San Rafael, authored a resolution to improve biking and walking areas along local roads...
Clean-Air Champions Deserve Credit
Marin Independent Journal, August 3, 2002
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Sausalito Councilman Paul Albritton are well deserving of being called Clean Air Champions of the Bay Area..
More County Children Walking, Biking to School, Survey Finds
Marin Independent Journal, August 2, 2002
More Marin County students are spending time out of their parents' cars, vans, and sports utility vehicles and are walking and bicycling to school, according to organizers of the Safe Routes to Schools Program.
County Wins Clean Air Awards
Marin Independent Journal, July 28, 2002
Marin County chalked up two Clean Air Champion awards from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District this past week.
Caltrans gives $900,000 to reopen tunnel
Marin Independent Journal, June 12, 2002
Money to reopen the Cal Park Hill tunnel for bicycle and pedestrian use keeps pouring into the county.
Transportation link along 101 gets $3 million
Marin Independent Journal
The re-opening of the Cal Park Hill tunnel to bicycle and pedestrian traffic got a huge boost yesterday when the California Transportation Commission approved $3 million for the project.
Train tunnel to become Marin bike path
San Francisco Chronicle, May 10, 2002
A decades-old dream of Marin County officials -- to open old railroad tunnels and create an unprecedented bicycle route -- got a huge boost Thursday when the California Transportation Commission put $3 million toward the project.
