Results Are In! MCBC Top Ten Countdown for 2017
The votes are in, the favorites chosen and now it’s time to reveal the MCBC Annual Top Ten Countdown Winners – each accomplishment made possible by your support!
This began with more than 25 suggestions by MCBC Program Directors and Staff. Then MCBC Members voted this past week for their favorite cycling achievements from the last year. The results were brought via secure cargo bike to our offices and we now present the MCBC 2017 Top Programs and Events Countdown:
10 – Two Epic Dirt Fondo Events. With the Solstice Fondo setting temperature records and the Dirt Fondo selling out well in advance, these two multi-route rides help expand our trail network in Marin. Memorable routes, strong support from volunteers and sponsors, plus a great post-ride bbq make this a must-ride event every year! more…
9 – Measure A Trail Results Continue! MCBC endorsed Measure A in November 2012, stating that a YES vote would ensure funds to “acquire new land for trail connections and new access for mountain bikes.” Measure A funding has already resulted in 3.5 miles of new bike-legal trails. More trails are under construction and enhancements have been made to existing trails, such rerouting “The Plunge” on Old Railroad Grade Trail in Fairfax. more…
8 – Bob Middagh Trail is the county’s first change-in-use trail project. Providing safe connectivity is a core MCBC Off-Road Program objective. The Marin County Open Space recommendation to allow bikes on the Bob Middagh Trail advances that goal. After recent construction, Open Space is letting the trail “set” through the winter and it will open to bikes this spring. more…
7 – Our Amazing MCBC Volunteers! From Bike to Work Day in May to Biketoberfest in October, MCBC volunteers’ “can-do” efforts and enthusiastic attitudes park more than 2,500 bicycles and log over 900 volunteer hours on MCBC events alone! They serve up tasty goodies on your way to work in May, point the way and refresh you when riding the trails of the Marin Headlands, Mt. Tam or West Marin and help you enjoy the celebration festivities of fall at Biketoberfest. They remain a key component of every MCBC event! more…
6 – Safe Routes To Schools pedestrian/bike classes taught over 10,000 students during the school year and they put that training to good use with a huge turnout at iWALK 2017! more…
5 – Mill Valley Victories! After key wins at Almonte and in the Parkway, the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project was completed and opened in November! The 1.8 mile project included significant upgrades for people walking and bicycling, highlighted by continuous buffered bicycle lanes between Camino Alto and Downtown Mill Valley, as well as several treatments that calm traffic and make pedestrians more visible as they cross the street. more…
4 – MCBC Unveils Vision for Connected Bike Network Through Downtown San Rafael. For far too long, the downtown streets have served as dangerous barriers to walking and bicycling. We want to ensure plans include a network of bikeways which work for people of all ages and abilities, with a focus on connectivity to and through San Rafael’s downtown area. While there are many needs around San Rafael, our highest-level priorities form what we’re calling a “minimum grid” of bikeways in the downtown area. more…
3 – SMART Pathway Segment Successes. People walking and bicycling between the San Rafael Civic Center SMART Station and Los Ranchitos / North San Pedro Roads now have a safe and direct connection, thanks to a key SMART pathway segment parallel to the train tracks. more…
2 – MCBC Lands Secure Bike Parking at SMART Stations. Thanks to MCBC and Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition efforts, SMART passengers will have a safe place to leave their bikes when train service begins later this year. SMART’s Board of Directors recently approved funding for an additional 42 bike racks and 68 electronic bike lockers across the10 stations set to open this spring. more…
(yes, a drumroll would now be appropriate!)
And voted the Top MCBC Accomplishment of 2017 –
1 – Alto Tunnel Reopening Progress. The County of Marin released the long-awaited Alto Tunnel Investigation and Cost Estimate Update, signaling the completion of several years of information gathering on the still-shuttered tunnel. “MCBC is delighted that this day has finally come,” said Executive Director Jim Elias. “With detailed cost estimates in hand, we now know what it will take to close the last major gap in the North-South Greenway.” more…
From the entire staff of MCBC and SR2S, a big “Thank You!” to everyone who took the time to pitch in, volunteer, contact their elected officials and participate in the MCBC experience this past year! With your help and enthusiasm, we are all looking forward to even better things in 2018!
