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What is the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program?
Marin County is one of four communities nationally that has been selected by Congress to participate in a Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program under Section 1807 of the 2005 federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU. Section 1807 provides for $25 million to each of the four communities for fiscal years 2006 through 2009.
The legislation states that "The Secretary shall establish and carry out nonmotorized transportation pilot program to construct, in the following four communities selected by the Secretary, a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle trails, that connect directly with transit stations, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers:
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Columbia, Missouri
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Marin County, California
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Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
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Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
The purpose of the program shall be to demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking can carry a significant part of the transportation load, and represent a major portion of the transportation solution, within selected communities."
Read the full Enabling Legislation (Section 1807 of SAFETEA-LU)
What Does it Mean for Marin?
Since the focus of the program is 'mode shift' or the ability to encourage use of bicycles or walking instead of driving, and thus potentially reduce congestion, projects are targeted for the eastern, urbanized corridor of the county and cannot be of a solely recreational nature. Projects for consideration can include primary network and feeder projects, demonstration projects, access to transit, planning, educational programs, promotional programs, and other infrastructure improvements.
How Can I Participate?
There will be workshops and meetings throughout the process. To stay informed of these events and other activities, visit the Pilot website and click on the 'subscribe' link. You will then be notified via email each time new information is posted.
You are also encouraged to attend community workshops and advisory committee meetings. Dates, times, and locations of those meetings will be posted on the Pilot site as they are confirmed in the 'What's New' section.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Visit our Pilot Program website: www.walkbikemarin.org. At the site you can find out about current Pilot activities, and status of projects and outreach programs, as well as links to biking and walking resources and the other Pilot communities.
Questions or comments can be directed to staff at walkbikemarin@co.marin.ca.us or call Craig Tackabery, Assistant Director, at 499-6582 or Dan Dawson, Principal Transportation Planner, at 499-6287
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