Long-time readers of The Greater Marin will likely remember my proposal for a protected/Class I bike lane through downtown San Rafael. I hoped the San Rafael Bikeway would spark some discussion about integrating bicycling infrastructure into the primary arteries of Central Marin, and I got a bit of positive response from the blog but not much officially.

Now, the San Anselmo Quality of Life Commission has taken up my proposal and could endorse it at tonight's meeting, which would be a first step to making the Bikeway a reality.

The San Anselmo Quality of Life Commission doesn't have much pull on San Rafael policy, but the work of the commission is taken seriously by the San Anselmo Council. An endorsement by the town council would be a next step, and I'll be lobbying for it when I'm in town for the holidays.

So consider this an action alert. Though I sadly won't be able to attend and advocate on behalf of the Bikeway plan, I've submitted a letter urging the commission to adopt the resolution, and a show of support would be most appreciated.

The San Rafael segment of the East-West Bicycle Plan is woefully inadequate, forcing cyclists far from downtown so as to avoid Third and Second. The San Rafael Bikeway would not take away any traffic lanes during commute hours. It would spur far more bicycling along the whole corridor - studies have shown that protected bicycle lanes double the number of cyclists along a given corridor - and would help support downtown business.

Since residents of San Anselmo would be just as likely to use the Bikeway as the people of San Rafael, the quality of life in San Anselmo is very much tied to how San Rafael designs its infrastructure. Show your support, and tell the commission to vote yes tomorrow.

What: San Anselmo Quality of Life Commission meeting When: 7pm, Monday, November 19 Where: San Anselmo Historical Museum, 525 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo Agenda: Here Plans: The San Rafael Bikeway Proposal