Happy Trails

The 3 foot passing law that was passed earlier this year, went into effect today adding a new layer of safety to all bike commuters. We also talked about SB1151, a bill that is now on the Governor's desk waiting to be signed. The law would increase traffic fines in school zones. Most of the time today was spent with Carol Van der Meer of Friends of the Dunes about all the various trail opportunities that exist in the Manila Dunes.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Miles Slattery, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Eureka. We discussed the recent funding acquisition from various sources. The entire trail skirting the waterfront of the city of Eureka from the Park N Ride at Herrick/Elk River Road to Tidd Street at the north end of town, a contiguous 6.5 miles of class one trail could be complete by 2016. This only leaves the small section of space between Eureka and Bracut Center to be funded. Granted, that will be the most expensive section as it will be rail with trail and quite narrow. But if all goes well, it won't be long before you can can on a trail from the Park N Ride at Herrick/Elk River Road all the way to Arcata.

This morning I spoke with Tim Daniels of the Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association about the upcoming work day for the Paradise Royale Trail September 27th. In addition to doing good, all workers will be entered into a raffle to win gift certificates from Revolution Bicycle Repair, Adventures Edge and Underground Bicycle Repair.

Cliff and Emily talk with TC Comet of the HSU Sustainability Office about a couple of innovative programs they have implemented. Zipcar is a short-term car rental program. Zimride, now in it's second year of existence is a student ridesharing program where students can post their availability with a car or desire for a ride.

Emily and I talk about the transportation funding that was just announced to go to the Humboldt Bay Trail, Eureka Waterfront Trail and others including additional funding for more safe routes to school projects. Also Maureen McGarry talks about the R.S.V.P. program, volunteering and trail steward opportunities.

Cliff and Emily talk with Karen Diemer about the fact that the California Transportation Commission staff has made the recommendation that funding for the northern portion of the Bay Trail be funded from the Arcata Skate Park all the way to Bracut Center. The vote will take place tomorrow. If this goes through, it bodes well for future funding for the entire project.

Emly and Cliff talk with Mark Andre about the Arcata Ridge trail, and the fact that it is close to completion. We explore what is left and the long journey and the process it took to get there. This trail was done mostly with support from community efforts and not public funding.

Cliff and Emily talk with Jasmin Sequra about "Baykeeper's Bay Explorations" exploring Humboldt Bay on boats, kayaks and from trails. More info at humboldtbaykeeper.org

Emily updates us on the planing commission's decision to remove language regrading trails and public access from the General Plan Update. Details of a large public response to Thursday's meeting and an invitation to attend tonight's meeting in show of support of trail is also discussed. Then Doug Rose from the McKinleyville Organizing Committee talks about the their efforts to improve public safety on Central Avenue between School and Hiller Roads. McKinleyville has gotten an $800,000 to $1,000,000 grant for this purpose. Now that townspeople have rejected the concept of a median down the center of Central Ave. other methodologies are being sought.

Emily and I talk with Barry Bergman of the Rails To Trails Conservancy about successful Rail With Trail projects around the country especially here in California.