A Parting Note from Bjorn, Policy & Planning Director 2020 Road Program Highlights

Each year, MCBC’s Road Program works to make bicycling safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities by improving the safety and connectivity of Marin’s bike routes. In 2020, following years of advocacy, education, negotiation, and collaboration, the MCBC team helped deliver several plans and improvements that we’re proud of. Here are the top highlights from MCBC’s Road Program in 2020:

protected/separated bike connection between downtown san rafael and cal park hill tunnel NEARS COMPLETION

The City of San Rafael is nearing completion of a two-way protected bikeway between Rice Drive and 2nd Street, meaning people of all ages and abilities will soon be able to enjoy a completely protected/separated (from vehicle traffic) route between Downtown San Rafael and Larkspur Ferry Terminal! The $2.2m project is expected to wrap-up shortly. Read More >>

protected bikeway linking to richmond-san rafael bridge completed

Bay Area Toll Authority–with funding from Transportation Authority of Marin–recently completed installation of a two-way barrier-protected bikeway linking Francisco Blvd. E with Andersen Drive. Of the bicycling gaps near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, this was our highest priority because it gives people riding eastbound an alternative to Sir Francis Drake and the I-580 shoulder. Our attention now turns to two nearby pathway projects on Francisco Boulevard E. and Sir Francis Drake. Read More >>

thousands experience Car-free parks during shelter-in-place

Early in shelter-in-place, many of Marin’s parks (and park roads) were closed to vehicle access, giving people of all ages and skill levels a unique, seemingly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride some of Marin’s most iconic roads–including Ridgecrest Boulevard, Bolinas-Fairfax Road, and Conzelman Road–all without the danger and threat of car traffic. We collected hundreds of your photos and stories to thank park agencies for keeping the parks open to people on bikes and encourage them to consider making park roads car-free again in the future. Part One >> | Part Two >>

2nd street designs take shape

After years of advocacy from MCBC and our supporters, San Rafael is finalizing plans to build a two-way protected bikeway connecting West End with Gerstle Park in Summer 2021. This key quarter-mile stretch along 2nd Street (between West End Ave. and Miramar Ave.) is the only location between Fairfax and San Rafael where people on bikes do not have a calm side street on which to ride. The bikeway will formalize what most people bicycling westbound already do (ride on the sidewalk), greatly improve safety for people riding eastbound, and create a much-improved pedestrian experience. Read More >>