Way to Go! San Rafael
June E-Newsletter: Off we go!

www.walkbikemarin.org/waytogo/

In this issue:

  1. WELCOME: Let's Explore the Way to Go!
  2. Follow Us on Our Website, Facebook, and Twitter
  3. Upcoming Way to Go! Walks
  4. Cal Park Tunnel and Path Construction Update
  5. Farmers' Market by Foot or by Bike
  6. Go the Easy Way: Take an Airport Shuttle
  7. Marin Loves to Walk, Bike, & Ride: Summer Events and Services
  8. new articles!

Let's explore the Way to Go!

Intro.JPGThank you for your interest in walking, bicycling, and taking transit in and around San Rafael! In addition to the resources and information you've received, Way to Go! will be hosting special events this summer. These special events will take you to fun and interesting destinations, help you meet neighbors, and provide you with the knowledge and tools to explore our area on foot, by bicycle, and by transit. All Way to Go! events will be open to everyone, especially beginners looking for a fun and safe atmosphere to get started. Take a look at our event schedule below.

Let's explore how easy it can be to leave the car at home for everyday trips, such as going to the store, as well as getting to the many cultural and social activities available in San Rafael. Plus, walking, bicycling, and transit are fantastic ways to experience the area's natural beauty and rich history. We hope to see you out there!

Return to Top


Follow Us on Our Website, Facebook, and Twitter

Get event updates, learn more about your ways to get around, and get moving with the GoTrip of the Week. Whichever way suits you best, follow us online:
WEBSITE: www.walkbikemarin.org/waytogo
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/waytogomarin
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/waytogomarin

Return to Top


Upcoming Way to Go! Walks

Please join us for these fun, local walks! See all of our summer events on our website.

SweetTreat.JPGSweet Summer Stroll
Tuesday, June 22, 6 – 8 PM
Meet at the San Rafael City Plaza, 4th Street between A Street and Lootens Place

Summer is officially here! Join us for a special summer stroll to sweet shops in Downtown San Rafael. We'll get delicious samples along the way.

Guided Downtown Art Walk
Friday, July 9, 6 – 8 PM
Meet at City Hall steps, 1400 Fifth Avenue

Join us for a special downtown art tour as part of San Rafael's Second Fridays Art Walk. Galleries and shops stay open late tonight to celebrate local art and artists. We'll enjoy a lovely evening visiting several art shows in San Rafael and get a personal tour by a host from Art Works Downtown.

Falkirk Cultural Center Garden and Mansion Tour
Tuesday, July 20, 6 – 8 PM
Meet at the San Rafael City Plaza, 4th Street between A Street 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.

Return to Top


Cal Park Tunnel and Path Construction Update

CalPark.JPGThe Cal Park Tunnel and Path are expected to open in November 2010. The tunnel portion was completed in April, and the next phase consists of completing the multiuse pathway outside the tunnel: constructing retaining walls, a bridge over Bellam Blvd, lighting, and preparation of the trackway for the future SMART tracks. Construction of this final phase began in May. The tunnel itself is lighted and outfitted with security cameras and call boxes. A full-height wall separates the train tracks from the path to improve safety between train operations and path users.

The railroad tunnel is one of many in Marin that have been abandoned since the early 1970's but reserved for future transit use. Cal Park is the first tunnel in the county to be rehabilitated for bicycle and pedestrian use and is the only one that will feature transit. This segment is a key link in the North-South Greenway, connecting the Lower Ross Valley with Central San Rafael. In addition to being a key eastern corridor connection, the path provides access to Larkspur Landing, the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, and residential and employment centers in downtown San Rafael, the Canal, and the Andersen Drive corridor.

For more information, contact Craig Tackabery, Marin County Department of Public Works, ctackabery@co.marin.ca.us or 415-499-6528.

Return to Top


Farmers' Market by Foot or by Bike

FarmersMarket.JPGAs you probably know, we have a great Farmer's Market here in Downtown San Rafael! It happens every Thursday through the summer from 6 to 9 PM on Fourth Street, and it's easy to get there by walking or bicycling. Transporting your produce by foot or by bike is a breeze — use a tote bag, basket, backpack, panniers, or a trailer to get those fresh fruits and vegetables, organic foods, and flowers home in no time.

Return to Top


Go the Easy Way: Take an Airport Shuttle

Take a shuttle and avoid the stress and the parking fees! Take the Marin Airporter to SFO or the Airport Express to OAK. Both leave from the San Rafael Transit Center.

The Marin Airporter leaves hourly at 15 minutes past the hour from 4:15am to 10:15pm, seven days a week. The ride takes one hour and 15 minutes without traffic. The Sonoma Airport Express departs every two hours at 15 minutes past the hour from 4:15am to 8:15pm. The ride to the Oakland Airport takes about one hour. Adults are $20 one-way to SFO and $24 one-way to OAK. Follow the links above for more detailed pricing and schedule information.

Return to Top


Marin Loves to Walk, Bike, & Ride: Summer Events and Services

Here is a sampling of special events and services around Marin to get you out and about this summer. Click on the headings to link to more information.

Bike, ride, or carpool to the Marin County Fair
WalkBikeMarin will once again have an exhibit at the Marin County Fair this July 4th weekend. Stop by to pick up free brochures and giveaways and learn about walking and bicycling projects in Marin. MCBC is also providing valet bike parking until 7 pm! Visit WalkBikeMarin to learn more about the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program in Marin.

CountyFair.JPG

Basic Bicycling Street Skills Classes
Learn how to avoid crashes and citations, improve visibility, and ride through intersections, and the legal rights and responsibilities of bicyclists. This class is for bicyclists and drivers.

  • Wednesday, June 23rd, 6:30-8:30 PM - Sausalito City Hall (Edgewater Room), Sausalito
  • Tuesday, July 20th, 6:30-8:30 PM - Mill Valley Community Center, Mill Valley

Take the Muir Woods Shuttle
Save yourself from the hassles and frustration of driving and parking. The Muir Woods Shuttle runs from Marin City and Mill Valley from now until September 26th and costs just $3 for adults and $1 for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Take GGT routes 70, 80, 17, or 71 from San Rafael to connect to the shuttle or park at one of the available lots in Mill Valley.

Marin County Bicycle Events
Check out the Marin County Bicycle Coalition's Calendar of Events to join in on rides, classes, meetings, and festivals all summer long!

Return to Top

Return to Top


for your interest in walking, bicycling, and taking transit in and around San Rafael! In addition to the resources and information you've received, Way to Go! will be hosting special events this summer. These special events will take you to fun and interesting destinations, help you meet neighbors, and provide you with the knowledge and tools to explore our area on foot, by bicycle, and by transit. All Way to Go! events w

About Way to Go!

The Way to Go program emulates other successful personal travel planning programs which focus efforts on all households in a selected area and provides an intensive outreach over a four-month period. Funding through the NTPP allows implementation of the Way to Go program in four communities, each being done over one summer between 2008 and 2010.

For more information visit www.walkbikemarin.org/waytogo/