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Marin Chosen For Pilot Program To Ease Traffic
Published August 3, 2005
Marin County is ready to show the nation that pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers can safely share the road and successfully alleviate traffic congestion at the same time.
The "Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program" is a regional project aimed at solving the North Bay's traffic congestion by creating a bicycle and pedestrian network
U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, helped secure $25 million for the project. Funds for the program are part of the $58 million Woolsey and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-San Francisco, were awarded by the federal "Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users," according to a representative for Woolsey
The program "will create a transportation hub so that walking and biking is truly safe and convenient, and part of Marin's overall transportation plan," Woolsey said in a statement.
If the program is a success in Marin, Woolsey hopes the nation will adopt similar plans.
"Marin County will be able to show the country that solutions to traffic congestion must be more than road expansion, but must also include bike and pedestrian networks," Woolsey said.
Marin County is one of four communities chosen to go ahead with the project. Columbia, Mo., Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., and Sheboygan County, Wis. were also chosen as model communities
Marin County Bicycle Coalition's Advocacy Director, Deb Hubsmith, is taking the county's model role in the project seriously.
"Through building the bicycle and pedestrian network, we will be able to show that walking and bicycling can substantially contribute towards reducing traffic congestion, decreasing energy use, improving the environment and providing public health benefits. It is an incredible honor for Marin County to receive this designation, and it is also a big responsibility," Hubsmith said in a statement.
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