Subsector: Active Transportation and Neighborhood Design
Active Transportation Working Groups
VMT Reduction Potential: 3
Cost: 1
ROI: 3
TAM Relevancy: 4
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional, Community
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies
Eligibility Status: Feasible, Currently Exist, Implementable/Expandable, Applicable Funding

Description

Establishing active transportation stakeholder groups that have input on the design and programming of active transportation projects within the region creates a platform for collaboration and feedback among community members, planners, and local authorities, improving engagement and stakeholder buy-in for projects.

Implementation Details

  • Continue working with Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees (BPACs) at county and local levels.
  • Convene quarterly meetings of an Active Transportation Advisory Group with representatives from jurisdictions, Marin Transit, health departments, school districts, and advocacy groups.
  • Use the group to prioritize active transportation projects, identify barriers to VMT reduction, and shape equity-centered implementation actions.
  • Offer stipends or transportation reimbursements to ensure participation from low-income, youth, and senior stakeholders.
  • Host rotating meetings in cities across Marin County to promote broad regional participation and issue-based collaboration.

Mitigation Potential

Establishing active transportation stakeholder groups can influence policy and planning, build community support, and identify barriers to reduce VMT within the community. The collaboration and cross-agency communication encourages municipalities to provide non- Single Occupancy Vehicle options, reducing the reliance on personal vehicles. While there are no quantification methods for this strategy, it is often a first step in effectively achieving other strategies in this toolbox.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Actively include representatives from historically excluded groups such as low-income residents, youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Offer stipends or travel reimbursements to support participation. Hosting meetings in various cities, especially in underserved areas, ensures geographic equity and local input. Prioritizing safety and access concerns from these communities can build trust and improve outcomes.

Funding Sources

Unlikely to require additional funding, but will require dedicated staff time for coordination.

Implemented in TAM Area

Current TDM Implementation

The TAM Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has existed since 2008 and advises TAM’s Executive Director regularly, with representatives from a breadth of jurisdictions within Marin County. There are also several local BPACs for cities and towns including San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Corte Madera.

TDM Benefit Locations

Smaller jurisdictions without a Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, like Belvedere or Ross, can convene their own transportation working groups or strengthen collaboration with the county-wide or neighboring cities’ BPACs. Collaboration between working groups can strengthen knowledge sharing and regional coordination.