Paving the Way for a More Walkable, Bikeable Future
Here are some important updates on current transportation planning efforts within the City of Cloverdale, designed to make our community more accessible and enjoyable. These initiatives include the creation of an Active
Transportation Plan (ATP) and the updating of the City’s General Plan Circulation Element.
The ATP planning process is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all residents by promoting
active transportation modes such as walking, biking, and rolling.
What is an ATP? The Sonoma County ATP focuses on improving access to active transportation modes through infrastructure projects and supportive programs, including essential features such as bike routes, lanes, paths, street crossings, and amenities to make walking and biking more accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities. An active transportation plan is a comprehensive strategy developed to promote and support forms of transportation that involve physical activity, such as walking and cycling. The primary goal of such a plan is to create more sustainable and healthier transportation options for communities.
Why Have an ATP:
• Enables changes to enhance people’s quality of life
• Allows for prioritized and coordinated improvements
• Meet eligibility requirements for grant funding
• Guides public and private investment
Components of the ATP The ATP integrates industry best practices, covering a wide range of topics:
• On-Street Bikeway Selection & Design
• Multiuse Paths & Bike Highways
• Street Crossings & Intersections
• Amenities to Improve User Experience
Community Engagement and Funding – Community engagement is a vital part of the plan, ensuring that local needs and insights are considered. Identifying priorities for implementation and aligning funding opportunities are key steps to make this vision a reality.
Vision and Goals – The draft vision statement aims to create a transportation system that is safe and inviting for people of all ages and abilities, fostering walking, biking, and rolling for everyday transportation and recreation.
Local Focus and Coordination – Your insights as part of the City of Cloverdale are crucial in shaping the local plan to reflect your community’s unique needs and opportunities.
Engagement with the City of Cloverdale – The City of Cloverdale will play an integral role in the ATP process. The timeline for community engagement includes discussions on existing conditions, needs, and opportunities, as well as draft project proposals, policies, and programs, with a public draft plan expected in late 2024.
Stay Informed – Stay updated on the progress of the Sonoma County ATP by visiting the SCTA Project webpage and participating in the project’s website and surveys. Your voice and input are essential in shaping a more walkable, bikeable, and sustainable future for Cloverdale and Sonoma County.
How You Can Help:
1. Take the Survey: Please take a few minutes to complete the Sonoma County Active Transportation Plan Survey. Access the survey at: https://fp.mysocialpinpoint.com/sonoma-county-atp or click the QR Code.
2. Share with Others: Share this survey with community organizations, friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else who may have an interest in shaping the future of active transportation in Sonoma County. Your participation will contribute to a safer and more inviting walking, biking, and rolling experience in Sonoma County!
Circulation Element Update: Building a Multimodal Future
The General Plan Circulation Element update is set to reshape our roadways and transportation policies. It aligns with the current City Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and integrates evolving concepts like complete streets,
reflecting changes in General Plan Guidelines and AB 1358, also known as the Complete Streets Act. This update will harmonize with the Countywide Active Transportation Plan.
A primary focus of the Circulation Element update will be on incorporating “Complete Streets” concepts. Complete streets are a transportation and urban design concept aimed at creating streets that are safe, convenient, and
accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users, and motorists of all ages and abilities, moving away from a car-centric approach to street design and instead promote a more inclusive and sustainable way of urban planning. Here are some key principles and features of complete streets:
• Multiple Modes of Transportation
• Pedestrian-Friendly Design
• Bike Lanes and Bike Facilities
• Public Transit Integration
• Traffic Calming Measures
• Landscaping and Greenery
Here’s a breakdown of what the update includes:
Roadway Cross Sections: Development of new roadway cross sections that enhance our bicycle and
pedestrian systems.
Multimodal Transportation Policies: The introduction of policies that encourage multimodal transportation,
recognizing the importance of diverse transportation options in our community.
Safety-Related Studies: Incorporation of findings from recent safety-related studies, including the Local Roadway Safety Plan and the Complete Streets Safety Assessment, to enhance road safety for all.
VMT Analysis: A significant shift towards Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis, with a focus on reducing VMT through strategic policies and actions.
Embracing Emerging Technologies: Adaptation to emerging transportation technologies, including
autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle adoption, transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft, and micromobility options such as electric bikeshare and scooters.
Draft and Final Circulation Element: The preparation of an updated Draft Circulation Element, including a
formatting refresh. City staff will have an opportunity to provide feedback, with up to two rounds of comments. A
Final Circulation Element will then be produced for adoption.
Compatibility with Other General Plan Elements: Ensuring that the policies in the updated Circulation Element align with other elements of the General Plan to create a cohesive and synergistic vision for the future.
VMT Analysis: A Sustainable Approach
We’ll also be conducting a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis. The current General Plan and the updated
Circulation Element will be integrated into the SCTA travel demand model. This analysis will provide essential metrics, such as VMT per resident, VMT per worker, and VMT per service population. Your Participation Matters
We encourage you, the Cloverdale community, to actively participate in these planning efforts. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we shape the future of our city.
