Way to Go! San Rafael
July 2010 E-Newsletter
In this issue:
Please join us for these fun, local events! See all of ou r summer events on our website.
Falkirk Cultural Center Garden and Mansion Tour 
Tuesday, July 20, 6-8pm
Meet at San Rafael City Plaza, 4th St between A St and Lootens Place
Falkirk’s docents and gardeners will take us on an informative tour of the Center’s exquisite gardens and historic mansion. We invite you to join us for a special look at the inside and outside of this San Rafael treasure.
Cal Park Tunnel Preview Bike Ride
Saturday, July 31, 11am – 1pm
Please RSVP by 7/20 on our Events page to secure your spot.
Grab
your bike and get a sneak peek of the new Cal Park Tunnel
multi-use path connecting San Rafael and Larkspur. After a
leisurely bike ride from central San Rafael, we'll learn the history of
the tunnel and how the rehabilitated tunnel was constructed.
Be one of the first to ride your bike in the soon-to-be opened tunnel.
SMART: The Past and Future of Trains in San Rafael 
Tuesday, August 3, 6-8pm
Meet at San Rafael City Plaza, 4th St between A St and Lootens Place
Join us for a fun, informative walk to visit the future SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) line where it will pass through Downtown San Rafa el. We'll learn about this historic rail corridor and have an opportunity to ask questions about the future train.
Buses, Bikes, and Ferries, oh my!
Thursday, August 12, 6-9pm
Downtown San Rafael Farners Market, 4th Street
Visit us at the Farmers Market to get your transit know-how. We’ll have experienced staff to help you plan a trip, a bike rack so you can learn how to bring your bike on the bus, and plenty of other resources to get you moving in no time!
A Helpful Tool for Finding the Way to Go!
Have you gotten your hands on the exclusive Way to Go! Walk-Bike-Ride Map? This convenient, folding map contains suggested walking and bicycling routes, bicycling safety guidelines, and a large, colorful map of central San Rafael that’s easy to use. On the map, you’ll find pedestrian and multi-use paths, bike lanes and routes, transit stops, parking locations, shopping districts, parks, and other local points of interest. Download an electronic PDF version of the map by clicking here, and you’ll be on the move in no time!
Events around Town – Walk and Bike to Get There!
Second Friday Art Walks
Second Friday of every month, 5 to 8 pm
Walk
downtown San Rafael every 2nd Friday evening to enjoy galleries, open
studios, art shows, libations, and inspirations at various venues up
and down Fourth Street. For more information, visit Art Works Downtown.
Free Bike Maintenance Clinics at Mike's Bikes
Every Wednesday, 6PM
Mike's Bikes, 836 Fourth Street, (415) 454-3747
Just bring your bike and your questions and Mike's Bikes will provide friendly hands-on instruction.
Visit WildCare's Courtyard
9am to 5pm daily, FREE
76 Albert Park Lane, (415) 453-1000
- Pool Bird Feeding: 12:30pm and 4:30pm, everyday. Enjoy watching resident pelican and cormorants dive for fish in WildCare's pool.
- Meet a Wildlife Ambassador: Wednesdays at 11am and Saturdays at 3pm. Meet a wild animal face-to-face and out of the cage!
- Ambassador Enrichment Demonstration: Mondays at 2pm.Watch Ambassadors being trained.
Is your commute too long to bicycle the whole way? Are you concerned about a dangerous connection or that passing rain shower? And what happens when you get a flat? Here’s some good news: all Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit buses are equipped with bicycle racks either on the front of the bus or in the luggage bay. It’s simple to transport your bicycle using these racks. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind:
- There’s no additional fee for bringing a bike.
- Racks are available during all hours of operation on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Single-rider, two-wheel bikes with a wheel size of 20" or larger can fit in to the racks - for an unusual bike, check here for compatibility.
- Remove loose items before loading a bike.
- Make eye contact with the driver when using bike racks.
- Be sure to let the driver know as you get off that you’ll be unloading your bike.
- For loading and unloading instructions, visit Golden Gate Transit's website.
Want some help planning your transit trip or learning more about your bus and ferry options in Marin? Visit our table at the Farmers Market on Thursday, August 12 to get your transit know-how. We’ll have experienced staff to help you plan a trip, a bike rack so you can learn how to bring your bike on the bus, and plenty of other resources to get you moving in no time! Thursday, August 12, 6 – 9 PM, Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market, 4th Street
Project Update: Puerto Suello Hill Pathway
The
Puerto Suello Hill pathway is currently under construction and is
nearing completion! The project is being constructed as part of the
Highway 101 HOV Gap Closure project. The new pathway will be a multi-use
facility for walking, bicycling, jogging, etc. Currently, the only
routes through this corridor are Lincoln Avenue on the west side of
Hwy 101 or Grand Ave/Villa Ave on the east.
The new path begins at the corner of Mission Ave and Hetherton St in downtown San Rafael. It continues up the west side of the freeway to the summit where it will connect to the Ranchitos Rd bike lanes and the Merrydale path. It will be lit for its entire length and also connects with the existing freeway overpass near Pacheco St. A major feature of this project is that users will be able to get from Mission/Hetherton to the summit without having to cross any streets. At Linden Lane the path is on a bridge over the street with a connecting ramp to provide access to the surrounding neighborhood. At the Lincoln Ave freeway ramps it goes through a new tunnel under the ramps.
Stay tuned for this great new pathway!
How about these nine reasons…
Research shows that regular walking contributes to your overall health and fitness in these important ways:
- Strengthens your heart, joints, and bones
- Delays or prevents major diseases or illness
- Reduces blood pressure, the risk of stroke, and cholesterol
- Helps control weight
- Improves mood, self esteem, balance, and circulation
- Contributes to “brain fitness”
- Gives you energy and a good night’s rest
- Relieves stress and worry
- Boosts immune system
Get to Know 511: Transit Trip-Planning, Ridesharing, and Bike Buddies
511 is your source for an abundance of helpful Bay Area transportation services. Here are just a few:
- Plan Your Trip. Finding your way by bus, ferry, or train is easier than ever, thanks to 511’s trip planning services. Click here to do it online or call 511. You just need to provide your starting point, your destination, and the time that you want to travel.
- Join a Carpool or Vanpool. 511 offers a RideMatch list and helpful information on the benefits you can receive for carpooling or vanpooling – including free tolls, access to carpool lanes, gas cards, and Wi-Fi. Click here to hear more.
- Get a Bike Buddy. 511 will help you find a “buddy” for commuting, running errands, or just riding for fun and exercise. Whether you are looking for a mentor or just a ride partner, having a bike buddy can help you feel more safe and secure, give you the motivation you need to get out there, or just make riding much more fun. The Bike Buddy Ridematch service is quick, free, and easy to use. Click here to register and get started.