$3M Grant Awarded For SMART Pathway Segments In Marin, Sonoma Counties

SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTIES, CA — The Metropolitan Transportation Commission which oversees transportation issues for nine Bay Area counties, approved $3 million in grant funds Jan. 25 for the construction of two segments of the SMART bicycle and pedestrian pathway.

The two pathway segments funded by the One Bay Area Grant are:

• Hanna Ranch Road to South Rowland Avenue in Novato, and
• San Miguel Avenue to Airport Boulevard in Santa Rosa

The SMART Pathway currently consists of 25 miles of Class 1 pathway and is considered part of the Great Redwood Trail system. Class I paths provide a completely separate right-of-way and are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians. The SMART Pathway provides first and last-mile connections to train stations and offers a safe way to travel along the rail corridor, particularly in areas where the SMART Pathway is the shortest path of travel between communities. The SMART train and pathway system enable cyclists to make longer journeys by extending their ability to use a bicycle as a preferred mode of travel.

"The good news keeps on coming for SMART with the pathway grants," said Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire. "North Bay neighbors want to see continued expansion of rail service and the Great Redwood Trail which is being constructed alongside the rail in Marin and Sonoma Counties. This is a win-win and we’ll continue to push forward both projects in the years to come with the dedicated SMART Boardmembers.”

According to SMART, its rail and pathway network is a transformative investment that enhances the overall transit system in the North Bay. Nearly 20 percent of SMART riders bring bicycles onboard for first and last-mile trip completion. The SMART Pathway is also popular for pedestrians and leisure use. Recent counts on the SMART Pathway showed nearly 65,000 bike/walk trips monthly, across nine locations in Marin and Sonoma counties.

SMART Pathway maps are available online in two formats: printable maps and an online interactive map.

"SMART’s progress in completing its bicycle and pedestrian pathway network is creating a real multimodal transportation system in the North Bay," said David Rabbitt, chair of the SMART Board of Directors. "The pathway makes it possible for bicyclists to cycle to the train and use it to extend their rides for a truly green trip."

Work on the two pathway segments is already underway with the design and permitting being funded by voter-approved Measure Q.