Director And General Manager - Marin County Bicycle Coalition

Linda Dahl
Director and General Manager
Marin County Parks
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 260
San Rafael, CA 94903
May 10, 2012
Dear Linda:
Board of Directors
Maureen Gaffney, President
Mark Comin, Vice President
Don Magdanz, Secretary
Ian Roth, Treasurer
Phil Brewer
Chris Hobbs
Jennifer Kaplan
Fred Morfit
Scott Penzarella
John Vipiana
Advisors
Mark Birnbaum
Joe Breeze
Tom Hale
Deb Hubsmith
Jim Jacobsen
Patrick Seidler
Julia Violich
Staff
Kim Baenisch
Executive Director
Tom Boss
Membership Director
Bob Trigg
Administrator
April Spooner
Volunteer and Activities
Coordinator
Andy Peri
Advocacy Director
Alisha Oloughlin
Advocacy Coordinator
Erik Schmidt
Off-Road Director
Wendi Kallins
Safe Routes to Schools Director
Laura Kelly
Safe Routes Volunteer Liaison
Peggy Clark
Safe Routes Project Coordinator
Share the Road Program Manager
Gwen Froh
Safe Routes Teen Coordinator
James Sievert
Safe Routes Teen Coordinator
and Instructor
Shumit DasGupta
Safe Routes Instructor
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) is pleased to provide
comments and recommendations to the Marin County Parks and Open Space
District (Parks) as part of the Draft Roads and Trails Management Plan
(RTMP)/Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process. We would like to
thank the County and Parks staff for undertaking this systematic approach to
improving natural resource management on public lands in Marin County.
MCBC has been participating in the Draft RTMP process to ensure that the
growing number of bicyclists in Marin have safe and sufficient facilities on
which to ride legally, helping meet recreational demand while reducing the
harmful effects to our sensitive open space from rogue trail use and
construction. We appreciate Parks’ proposed policies for shared trail use
and other management strategies that can improve opportunities for cyclists,
as they will form the backbone of sound land management that ensures safe,
shared public access by all user groups.
We have identified a comprehensive list of opportunities to improve access
for mountain bikes on and adjacent to Parks lands in the coming years.
Bearing in mind the limited funding all public agencies currently face, our list
is divided into trail and road enhancements that can be made at relatively low
cost – through administrative changes, new or modified easements, and
collaboration with other agencies – and those that involve some type of
construction or earthmoving, requiring regulatory approval and potentially
higher costs. In both categories, es, there are numerous opportunities for both
modest and visionary improvements that could garner real support from the
cycling community and public leaders.
MCBC strongly believes that there has never been a better time for
environmental, equestrian and cycling advocacy groups to collaborate with
Parks on our shared interests. While we recognize that there will not always
be an agreement within reach for every issue or location, our many positive
interactions on the trails with people on foot and horseback, and growing
partnerships for trail maintenance, habitat restoration and more, lead us to
feel confident that we can all work together effectively.
We suggest that once the Final RTMP is approved, Parks consider moving forward
with an initial set of projects that includes lower-cost access
Promoting Safe Bicycling for Everyday Transportation and Recreation

improvements and one or two more complex projects – ideally a new singletrack trail open to bikes
that connects two isolated preserves or makes other linkages. MCBC would welcome working with
Parks staff to help identify potential locations and sites where project benefits can be maximized
and success is likely.
General Recommendations
• Improve Sharing of Existing Trail Resources
Marin County is home to large numbers of resident mountain bikers and is a destination for
off-road cyclists from throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Tens of thousands of people ride
on Marin’s public lands today. The 2011 Parks user survey indicated that approximately onequarter
of trail users on Parks lands are mountain bikers. With virtually no singletrack (narrow)
trails legally accessible to mountain bikers on Parks lands, the resulting discontinuity creates
extensive illegal use of trails and a perception of conflict between trail user groups. Shared
access to multi-use trails and fire roads is important, but mountain bikers – just like Parks
visitors on foot – desire the more challenging and natural experience of singletrack trails.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP clearly state the legitimate, non-motorized
recreational interest of mountain bikers for shared access to singletrack and multi-use
trails on Parks preserves.
• Construct New Trails Open to Bikes
There are a number of locations within Parks preserves and on adjacent public and private
lands where new singletrack and multi-use trails could be constructed, following the 680 Trail
model so commendably implemented by Parks in 2011-2012. These projects could provide
road, trail and preserve connectivity, and medium- and long-distance cross-country routes for
mountain bikers.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP include a policy supporting the construction of new
singletrack and multi-use trails open to bikes.
• Proven Management Tools Can Safely Improve Trail Access for Bikes
A range of management tools is available to Parks for providing cyclists with access to existing
and new singletrack and multi-use trails where only users on foot and horseback are currently
allowed. These tools have proven successful in other locations, and can help prevent conflicts
and fear of displacement by other user groups.
MCBC recommends that Draft RTMP recognize the availability of multiple tools for
improving bike access to trails in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner. These tools
include: alternating days, seasonal closures to protect natural resources, uphill-only
designations, single-use trails, bike-priority shared trails, and more.
• Provide Connectivity
Many Parks preserves are isolated from other preserves and nearby open space, parks and
trailheads owned or managed by other entities.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP support the establishment of recreational
connections to open space lands, parks and trailheads, and transportation routes
wherever feasible. We also recommend that Parks actively seek easements with private
landowners and agreements with other land management agencies to implement this
strategy.
Promoting Safe Bicycling for Everyday Transportation and Recreation

• Convert Unneeded, Eroding Fire Roads into Multi-use Trails
Due largely to their legacy as privately owned ranches, many of Marin’s open space preserves
feature a multitude of fire roads. These roads are often overly steep, and in general, were not
designed to avoid erosion. As a result, sedimentation from gullying, slope failure and other
problems occurs on many of Parks’ fire roads. The Marin Municipal Water District’s
(MMWD) 2005 Road and Trail Management Plan includes an inventory of all roads on
MMWD lands, and identifies eroding fire/access road segments for sediment reduction
treatments to improve watershed health. This is an excellent model for Parks and the Draft
RTMP, as are the successful road-to-trail conversions at Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP identify all fire roads that are not needed for
emergency response, land management or private property access. These roads should be
decommissioned for vehicular use and, wherever possible, converted to narrower,
properly designed multiple-use trails (open to all user groups).
• Improve Road and Trail Signage
Existing signage throughout the system of Parks preserves is inadequate in quantity and
content to significantly improve the behavior of trail users (and to simply provide users with
basic location and directional information). With limited enforcement capacity, we recognize
that Parks relies largely on voluntary compliance with regulations rather than staff patrols.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP state that improved educational signage directed
at cyclists and other trail users will be a Parks priority for addressing issues of responsibility,
respect, environmental values and peer enforcement.
MCBC understands the long history of trail use and construction by equestrians and hikers on Parks
lands, and the perception that mountain bike access may diminish the safe and enjoyable use of
recreational resources by these groups. Sharing the trails entails adjustments and respect by all
users. This will take time. With more projects like the 680 Trail that significantly enhance access
for bikes, cyclists will increasingly feel recognized as legitimate trail users, and cooperation
between user groups will continue to improve.
Specific Trail Recommendations for Increased Bike Access and Connectivity
We have divided our specific road and trail recommendations into two groups:
1. Lower-cost: Administrative, collaborative or easement-related opportunities.
2. Higher-cost: Construction/earthmoving initiatives that require regulatory approval.
Within each group are potential projects that MCBC would be happy to help Parks plan and work
on. We look forward to contributing to the Draft RTMP as this important public process continues
in 2012 and beyond. MCBC staff is available to work with Parks and other community groups and
interested members of the public to identify priorities for mountain bikers as well as all trail users.
Please do not hesitate to contact either of us with questions or for further discussion of any of our
recommendations.
Sincerely,
Kim Baenisch, Executive Director
Erik Schmidt, Off-Road Director
Promoting Safe Bicycling for Everyday Transportation and Recreation

1. Lower-cost, near-term projects
PRESERVE/Trail Location Recommended
Action
MT. BURDELL OSP
OSP TRAILS
Michako Trail
Big Tank FR and San Administrative
Carlos FR
change – add bikes
Dwarf Oak Trail
San Marin HS Administrative
trailhead and San change – add bikes
Andreas FR
Fieldstone Trail
Fieldstone Dr and Administrative
Middle Burdell FR change – add bikes
Simmons Trail
Administrative
Brookside Trail
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
Partridge Knolls Trail
Burdell Rd and
Fieldstone Trail
change – add bikes
Administrative
change – add bikes
Administrative
change – add bikes,
Change easement
terms
RUSH CREEK OSP
OSP TRAILS
101 Trail Administrative
change – add bikes
LITTLE MOUNTAIN,
VERISSIMO HILLS
OSPs
OSP TRAILS
Little Mountain Trail
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
Stafford Lake Trail
Administrative
change – add bikes,
Agency
collaboration
Administrative
change – add bikes,
Agency
collaboration
Purpose
Provide connection between existing fire roads
Add Bay Area Ridge Trail multi-use segment,
connection to Olompali State Park
Provide connection to Rush Creek OSP and new
SMART trail
Provide bike access (alternative to Fieldstone Trail)
Provide neighborhood connections so kids can bike
safely to school
Provide connection to Rush Creek OSP and new
SMART bike-ped trail
Provide bike access to OSP trails
Provide access to Bay Area Ridge Trail and
connection from Sutro Ave trailhead to Doe Hill FR
and Stafford Lake Trail
Provide link to Bay Area Ridge Trail and connection
from Mt Burdell OSP and Stafford Lake through Little
Mountain OSP to Indian Tree OSP
Current
Use
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Property
Ownership
Private
Part of trail in City
of Novato (O’Hair
Park)
N Marin Water
Dist property
(managed by
Parks)
INDIAN TREE OSP
OSP TRAILS
Big Trees Trail Lower section only, Administrative Provide link to Bay Area Ridge Trail and connection Foot and Most of trail on N

PRESERVE/Trail Location Recommended
Action
between Vineyard change, Agency
Rd and Ship’s Mast collaboration
Trail
Ship’s Mast Trail
Administrative
change – add bikes
TERRA LINDA-
SLEEPY HOLLOW
DIVIDE OSP
OSP TRAILS
Fox Lane Trail
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
Sorich Park Trail
GIACOMINI, FRENCH
RANCH, ROY’S
REDWOODS OSPs
OSP TRAILS
Willis Evans Trail
New trail – alternate to
Willis Evans and
Conifer FR route
New trail (Hunter’s
Camp/Paranickel)
New trail (Lagunitas
Haut Trail)
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New trail
Sorich Park (City of
San Anselmo) to
Cemetery FR
Bottom of W. Evans
Trail to top of
Conifer FR
Hunt Camp FR to
Manzanita FR
(west) and base of
E. Sylvestris FR
Peters Dam FR to
Manzanita FR
E end of Dixon
Ranch FR to Loma
Alta OSP
Administrative
change – add bikes
Administrative
change – add bikes,
Agency
collaboration
Administrative
change – prohibit
bikes if alternate
route is provided
Addition to system
– bike priority trail
Purpose
from Mt Burdell OSP and Stafford Lake to Little
Mountain and Indian Tree OSPs
Provide link to Bay Area Ridge Trail and connection
from Mt Burdell OSP and Stafford Lake through Little
Mountain OSP to Indian Tree OSP
Provide connection between San Rafael Ridge and
Terra Linda Ridge
Link Memorial Park and other San Anselmo
neighborhoods to Terra Linda area
Avoid conflict with heavy equestrian use
Incorporate existing, unauthorized trail
Current
Use
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Multiple
use
Multiple
use but
bike
priority
Addition to system Incorporate existing, unauthorized trails Foot and
bike
Addition to system Incorporate existing, unauthorized road Foot and
bike
New easements
Provide connection between Roy’s Redwoods and
Loma Alta OSPs
Multiple
use
Property
Ownership
Marin Water Dist
(managed by
Parks)
City of San
Anselmo
Private (Flanders,
Lucas)
Close gap on existing Barnabe Mountain Improve easement Close gap caused by uncertain conditions Foot, Private (Mease)

PRESERVE/Trail Location Recommended
Action
Purpose
Current
Use
Property
Ownership
fire road FR conditions equestrian
and bike
New trail
W end of Barnabe
Mountain FR to
Samuel P. Taylor SP
New easement Connect French Ranch OSP with Samuel P. Taylor SP None Private (Ford)
WHITE HILL,
CASCADE CANYON
OSPs
OSP TRAILS
High Water Trail
Carey Camp Trail
New trail
Canyon Trail
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
Split Rock Trail
SAN PEDRO
MOUNTAIN OSP
OSP TRAILS
Woodoaks Trail
BALTIMORE CANYON,
BLITHEDALE
SUMMIT, KING
MOUNTAIN OSPs
OSP TRAILS
Maytag Trail
Carey Camp Trail
junction w/ Pine
Mtn. Tunnel FR to
Fairfax-Bolinas Rd.
Canyon Rd to
Cascade Canyon FR
White Hill FR to
Cascade FR
San Pedro Ridge FR
to Wood Oaks Dr
Elinor Ridge FR to
Blithedale Ridge FR
Close to all uses,
restore/re-vegetate
Administrative
change – add bikes
Addition to system
Administrative
change – add bikes,
Agency
collaboration
Reduce erosion into stream
Provide connection between Cascade Canyon FR and
Pine Mountain FR
Provide connection and incorporate existing,
unauthorized trail
Eliminate three stream crossings with access point
change (year-round or during rainy season)
Foot and
bike
Foot and
bike
Foot and
equestrian
Addition to system Incorporate existing, unauthorized trail Foot and
bike
Administrative
change – add bikes
Administrative
change – add bikes
Provide connection between N San Pedro Rd and San
Pedro Ridge/China Camp SP
Provide connection between fire roads
Foot and
equestrian
Foot and
equestrian
Requires support
of City of Fairfax
Beyond CC OSP,
requires MMWD
cooperation

2. Greater-cost, medium- and longer-term projects requiring construction or earthmoving
PRESERVE/Trail Location Recommended
Action
MT. BURDELL OSP
OSP TRAILS
New trail
Construction
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New multi-use trail
New narrow trail
LITTLE MOUNTAIN,
VERISSIMO HILLS
OSPs
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New trail
INDIAN TREE OSP
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New trail
INDIAN VALLEY,
IGNACIO VALLEY
OSPs
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New trail
BIG ROCK RIDGE
AREA: LOMA VERDE,
LUCAS VALLEY,
PACHECO VALLE
OSPs
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New trails
Two Brick Spring and E
end of Burdell Mtn FR
To San Antonio Rd
through Cooley
property
End of Burdell Rd and E
end of Burdell Mtn FR
Connect Stafford Lake
Trail with proposed
Bike Park
W end of Indian Tree
FR to Stafford Lake Bike
Park
Indian Valley/ Ignacio
Valley OSPs S to Big
Rock Ridge
Lucas Valley (Mt Shasta
Dr) and Marinwood
neighborhoods to Big
Construction,
New Easement
Construction,
New easement
Construction,
Agency
collaboration
Construction,
New easement
Construction,
New easement
Construction,
Agency
collaboration
Purpose
Provide connection and new bike-priority, narrow or
multiple-use trail
Current
Use
None
Property
Ownership
Add Bay Area Ridge Trail segment None Private (Cooley)
Provide access to OSP and connect SMART trail with
OSP and Olompali SP
Provide off-road access route from Novato to bike
park
Provide bike access and link Indian Tree OSP with
new bike park
Provide connection with bike-priority narrow trail
or multi-use trail
Provide connection between Lucas Valley and Big
Rock Ridge (Lucas Valley and Ignacio Valley OSPs)
None
None
None
None
Private (Buck
Center)
N Marin Water
Dist (managed
by Parks)
Private
Private (Hill
Ranch)
None Lucas V.
Homeowners
Association,

PRESERVE/Trail Location Recommended
Action
Rock Ridge FR
TERRA LINDA-
SLEEPY HOLLOW
DIVIDE OSP
OSP TRAILS
New trail
TRAIL CONNECTIONS
New trail
GIACOMINI, FRENCH
RANCH, ROY’S
REDWOODS OSPs
OSP TRAILS
New trail
E end Ridgewood FR to
Dias Way or Del Haro St
(Terra Linda area)
N end of Fox Lane Trail
to Nova Albion Way
Nicasio Valley Rd to
Dixon Ridge FR
Construction,
Addition to
System
Construction,
New easements
Purpose
Replace eroding, unauthorized trails and provide
connection between San Anselmo and Terra Linda
via San Rafael Ridge
Provide off-road connection between Terra Linda
and San Anselmo areas
Current
Use
Foot and
bike
None
Construction Provide new bike-priority narrow or multi-use trail None
LOMA ALTA OSP
OSP TRAILS
New bypass Old Railroad Grade Construction Reduce erosion from trail use on steep
embankments by constructing new bypass
WHITE HILL,
CASCADE CANYON
OSPs
OSP TRAILS
New bridge
At upstream crossing of
Cascade Canyon FR
below existing foot
bridge
Construction
Reduce sedimentation of stream and contact with
fish, improve access for all users
Wagonwheel Trail Upper end Construction Improve connection to B-17 Trail with new segment,
reduce erosion on existing FR
SAN PEDRO
MOUNTAIN OSP
OSP TRAILS
New trail
San Pedro Ridge FR
and Granlee St
Construction
As alternative to Woodoaks Trail, provide new bikepriority
narrow or multi-use trail
Multiple
use/narrow
Foot,
equestrian,
bike,
vehicles
Multiple
use
None
Property
Ownership
Marinwood
Open Space
Private
Requires
collaboration
with Boy Scouts