The arrival of the 2015-2016 school years means that the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-Use Path is about to get a surge in users. 

To make sure that the path remains safe despite the uptick in foot and bike traffic, the City of Mill Valley and the County of Marin are re-energizing the Share the Path campaign to improve functionality of the paved path, highlight the recent physical upgrades, educate about a new 10 mph slow zone adjacent to Bayfront Park, and bring heightened awareness to the top priorities of safety and enjoyment.

The renewed Share the Path campaign, which initially kicked off in early May and was prompted by an outcry of concerns after a cyclist collided with two boys on the path in September 2014, injuring all three, is in coordination with local Back to School Day on August 26 and International Walk & Roll to School Day on October 7.

County officials have re-installed signs to coincide with various back-to-school promotions. Classroom education will start in October in partnership with Safe Routes to School. Permanent pathway graphics along the path and at intersections will be implemented by the end of 2015.

Take the “Share the Path” survey to share your thoughts about the campaign.

“The health and safety of our residents is one of our primary Core Values,” Mayor Kenneth R. Wachtel said. “This campaign will make everyone safer by reminding all users to be courteous, know the rules and be responsible.” 

Share the Path was initiated by a partnership comprised of the County of Marin, the City of Mill Valley and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. In September 2014, an accident occurred on the path between a cyclist and two pedestrian youths. After the accident, the City of Mill Valley took immediate action to improve safety on the pathway by placing enhanced signage and directing public safety personnel to have a regular presence to enforce safety rules on the path. Member agencies have worked together over the past 6 months to improve safety and to create this public information campaign.

Share the Path includes:

  • Tables with public education materials at several coming events.
  • Targeted outreach to local schools, bikers, dog walkers, and other path user groups.
  • An “I share” pledge for path users to promote courteous use.
  • Colorful temporary signs along the pathway with simple, positive messages enticing people to “look and listen,” “use safe speeds,” and “keep right, pass left.” 
  • Permanent signs reminding visitors that they are sharing the path with others.
  • The launch of www.sharethepathmarin.org.  
  • Promotion of a #sharethepath hashtag for social media sharing.
  • Additional speed enforcement, with speeders facing a $158 ticket

The Share the Path campaign is funded by Measure A, a quarter-cent tax officially named the Marin Parks, Open Space and Farmland Preservation Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance of 2012. The campaign will be evaluated periodically for its effectiveness.

What do you think of the Share the Path campaign so far? Has it been effective and made the path safer? Tell us in the Comments below.


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