Caltrans is moving forward with big bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Tiburon Boulevard. They’re creating a continuous route linking Mill Valley to Tiburon, even though community reactions are all over the place.
This project puts into action plans that have sat on the shelf for over fifty years. The goal? Transform State Route 131 with physically separated bike lanes, which supporters say will make things safer for everyone on the road.
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Cycling advocacy groups are on board. But some local residents aren’t so sure—they’re worried about traffic and emergency access, even though supporters say there’s not much real evidence behind those concerns.
Long-Awaited Bicycle Infrastructure Coming to Southern Marin
The Tiburon Boulevard improvements wrap up transportation planning that’s been in the works for more than half a century. For cyclists heading between Mill Valley and the Tiburon Peninsula, this east-west stretch has always been a glaring gap in Marin County’s bike network.
Safety Through Separation
Matthew Hartzell, planning director for Walking and Biking in Tiburon-Belvedere (WTB-TAM), says the new Class IV bikeways will physically separate cyclists from cars. That’s a huge safety boost compared to the current setup, where bikes have to mingle with fast traffic.
“These protected bike lanes will transform what is currently a stressful and dangerous corridor into a safe route for people of all ages and abilities,” Hartzell told folks at a recent Strawberry community meeting.
Addressing Community Concerns
Not everyone in Tiburon and Belvedere is thrilled. There’s a petition going around among homeowners along the corridor, raising alarms about possible traffic jams—especially at the already hectic Trestle Glen intersection. Some folks in Corte Madera and Larkspur have chimed in with their own worries.
Emergency Access Questions
One worry that keeps coming up is emergency vehicle access. Some opponents claim the new roadway could slow down first responders in a crisis.
WTB-TAM representatives push back, saying there’s no solid proof for these fears. They point to similar projects in San Rafael and Sausalito, where emergency access hasn’t suffered and, in some cases, has even improved thanks to smart design.
The Southern Marin Fire Protection District serves this area. They haven’t come out against the project, but they do want to stay in the loop about design details.
Transit Compatibility
Local transit agencies haven’t opposed the bikeways, but they’ve asked for some tweaks to keep bus service running smoothly. These include:
Marin Transit officials say these changes would help both cyclists and transit riders going between Tiburon, Belvedere, and other Marin spots.
Complementary Route Options
The new Tiburon Boulevard bike lanes aren’t meant to replace existing routes. They’re just another option.
Greenwood Beach Road, a favorite for recreational cyclists and folks who want a more scenic ride, will still be there.
“Having multiple route options actually reduces conflicts,” Hartzell explains. “Faster commuter cyclists will likely choose Tiburon Boulevard, while families and more casual riders may prefer the quieter Greenwood Beach alignment.”
Moving Forward
Caltrans is wrapping up design plans for the Tiburon Boulevard improvements. Community meetings are still happening all over southern Marin.
This project is just one part of a bigger push to boost multi-modal transportation options across the county. It ties into networks in Novato, San Rafael, and Mill Valley.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin Voice: Caltrans should move forward with Tiburon Boulevard bike lanes
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