Wheels slowly turning for Sonoma Valley bike trail
A route has been identified for a proposed 13-mile pedestrian and bicycle trail through the Sonoma Valley. The public is invited to view and comment on the suggested alignment and other findings of a draft feasibility study at an open house planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Kenwood Fire Protection District office, 9045 Sonoma Highway.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors reviewed the study at its Jan. 12 meeting. See the plan.
The review evaluates the potential for a multi-use trail along Highway 12 between Santa Rosa and the Springs: on the west side between Melita Road and Oakmont Drive; along the east side between Oakmont and Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen; and along the west side between Arnold Drive and Agua Caliente Road.
With the exception of a few areas, the Highway 12 corridor lacks sidewalks and bicycle lanes. The proposed trail would improve safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians and promote alternative travel to wineries, parks and other Sonoma Valley attractions, planners say.
The study began in 2014, examining possible alignments, designs, project costs and construction priorities and gathering public feedback. It was funded by a $190,575 grant from Cal Trans and a $21,175 match from the County.
Comments from January’s meetings will be reviewed, and a final version of the study will go to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 2. If approved, Regional Parks could begin seeking grants to pay for environmental review, design engineering, and trail construction.
A Sonoma Valley trail is identified as a priority in the Sonoma County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and would be a significant part of a countywide trail network.
Trail supporters include the cities of Santa Rosa and Sonoma, the Sonoma County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, and the Santa Rosa Cycling Club.
For more information, contact Planner Ken Tam at [email protected] or (707) 565-2041.
