San Rafael Adopts New Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan

The plan prioritizes 23 infrastructure projects to improve walking and biking safety for residents over the next decade.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hiking

San Rafael Adopts New Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan

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Should your city prioritize bike and pedestrian infrastructure over additional vehicle traffic capacity?

The San Rafael City Council has unanimously adopted an updated bicycle and pedestrian plan, marking the first major revision since 2018. The initiative aims to enhance local mobility by elevating the status of pedestrian infrastructure and outlining 120 potential improvement projects across the city.

Why it matters

This plan establishes a strategic framework designed to help the city compete for infrastructure funding and align street development with current safety and connectivity goals. By prioritizing walking and biking, the update seeks to expand accessible active transportation routes for residents over the next 5 to 10 years.

The city council's adopted plan identifies 120 total infrastructure projects, with 23 labeled as high-priority, to be implemented over the next 5 to 10 years. While the city has secured $47 million in grant funding over the last eight years, the total cost for these new priorities is estimated between $70 million and $90 million.

The players

San Rafael City Council

The local governing body responsible for setting municipal infrastructure policy and approving capital improvement budgets.

The details

The plan uses a weighted scoring system based on connectivity, comfort, implementation, and vision zero safety criteria to rank project proposals. Once projects enter the three-year capital improvements program, they undergo a rigorous safety evaluation to ensure they meet the city's commitment to reducing road accidents. Notable proposed additions include a $9 million multiuse path in Terra Linda and a 10-foot-wide path along the SMART train tracks costing approximately $3.5 million.

The city last updated its bicycle and pedestrian plan in 2018.
The San Rafael City Council voted to adopt the new plan on October 19, 2026.
The new infrastructure framework covers the next 5-10 years.

Health Landscape

This update elevates pedestrian planning to match the priority previously held by bicycle infrastructure, signaling a broader shift toward integrated active transit. The initiative aligns with the city's Vision Zero commitment by ensuring new paths meet strict safety evaluations intended to protect all road users.

Residents should anticipate increased opportunities for daily physical activity as new multiuse paths are developed throughout the city over the next decade. Those interested in local trail safety and route expansion can participate in public forums regarding the upcoming capital improvements program.

The takeaway

The city is shifting toward a more connected transit landscape that prioritizes both cyclists and pedestrians equally. If you are concerned about route safety in your neighborhood, review the priority list in the city plan and consider discussing upcoming project timelines at local council meetings.