Q: Who is behind the Way to Go! program? Where does funding come from?

A: Marin County is managing the WalkBikeMarin programs (including Way to Go!), which is Marin's implementation of the federally-funded Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program. The County is working closely with the city of San Rafael, and is assisted by staff from Alta Planning + Design (a national firm that specializes in walking and biking programs). Other program partners include local transit agencies, the San Rafael Business Improvement District, and numerous local residents who are lending a hand to make the program successful.

Q: What are the goals of the Way to Go! program?

Our goals are to:

• Educate the community on the many options available to get around town
• Reduce Drive Alone Trips
  
• Increase Biking, Walking, Transit, & Carpool Trips
  
• Improve Health and Increase Safety
• Encourage Biking & Walking Trips to Local Shops
• Reduce Congestion
• Support the WalkBikeMarin effort (Federal Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program)

Q: How does the Way to Go! program fit into the WalkBikeMarin effort?

The WalkBikeMarin program is a federally-funded effort to increase walking and bicycling by providing $25 million dollars to fund infrastructure projects and outreach programs. Marin County is one of only four communities selected to participate in the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program; the other communities are Sheboygan County (WI), Minneapolis (MN), and Columbia (MO).

While most of the projects funded are infrastructure projects (such as trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks), several non-infrastructure programs (including the Way to Go! program) were selected to complement the projects that are being built.

In San Rafael, WalkBikeMarin is also funding bicycle and pedestrian improvements to the San Rafael Transit Center, Civic Center Drive, Las Gallinas Avenue and Northgate Drive (Route 5), Ranchitos Road, and more.

Q: Where did the Way to Go! program concept come from?

Way to Go! is a social marketing program based on a successful program in Portland, OR called SmartTrips. There are other similar programs around the world, including projects in numerous Australian and European cities, as well as Alameda (CA) and Whatcom County (WA). These programs have been successful in achieving 9 - 13% reductions in drive-alone trips in their communities.

Q: I don’t live in San Rafael. Can I participate in this program?

In 2010, parts of San Rafael will be home to the Way to Go! program in Marin County. During this program, materials and programs are reserved just for these residents.

Q: Whom can I contact for more information?

Way to Go! program staff would be happy to hear from you. Here is our contact info:

General info: waytogo@walkbikemarin.org

Dan Dawson (Marin County Department of Public Works): DDawson@co.marin.ca.us or (415) 499-6287

Jessica Roberts (Alta Planning): jessicaroberts@altaplanning.com or 503-230-9862