Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 10/14/2026 AUDIO ONLY

The City of San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee held its regular meeting on October 14, 2026. Members unanimously approved prior meeting minutes and accepted the Embarcadero Way one-way conversion pilot report. The report recommended a longer-term northeast-bound-only vehicle configuration, with speed management considered in final design; the pilot data showed less traffic diversion and stronger community support for that direction than for the other tested configurations. No cost estimate or contract award was presented, and the project is expected to pursue grant funding. The committee also unanimously endorsed Option 3 for the First Street segment between D and E Streets: retain westbound vehicle traffic and develop a counterflow bicycle lane while preserving informal parking. Staff will undertake additional design, including bicycle transitions at the intersections. A contractor associated with a broader pavement project may be able to perform the work, but no procurement action was taken.

The committee reviewed Safe Routes to School concept improvements near Davidson Middle School and Laurel Dell, including sidewalk construction and widening; implementation funding has not been identified. It also unanimously accepted an updated citywide traffic-calming petition process, with tiered measures and a support threshold of 50% plus one, counting renters and owners. Staff reported that the City is pursuing grants for a Canal-to-Third Street bicycle and pedestrian bridge, planning studies for Point San Pedro and Francisco Boulevard East, and pedestrian safety improvements. The City is also moving forward with approved speed-limit reductions. No contract awards, bid approvals, or specific project budgets were reported.