Marin cyclists should ask for rewrite of Measure A

The proposed extension of the Measure A tax seems like a good thing for the community, but I have serious reservations.

Marin County officials claim to care about sea level rise, but seem unable to repave the second-most heavily traveled multi-use path in Marin. The North-South Greenway between the Sausalito heliport and Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley is already partially underwater on some days.

It is understood that part of the money goes to local jurisdictions and agricultural easements. Considering that zoning laws can always be changed, the permanent easements for West Marin ranches are a good investment for all. However, the Marin County Board of Supervisors is extremely ill-advised not to spend money to reopen the Alto Tunnel between Mill Valley and Corte Madera.

The tunnel is a crucial link of the Greenway. It is worthy of investment for a variety of reasons, including the benefits of promoting carbon-free transportation infrastructure, plus massive community support. These are the kind of projects that help bicyclists and the Earth right here and now. Measure A funds would be especially well-suited.

Also, it is my opinion that Measure A resulted in more enforcement of rules about mountain biking. No trail or night riding is allowed and new trails (which could be viewed as mini-fire breaks) are forbidden. Being stopped by armed rangers for bicycle riding is a nightmare.

As a founder of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition and co-founder of Friends of Tamarancho, I hear from many people, both road and off-road bicyclists. I hereby urge all of us to vote against extending Measure A until better priorities are instituted. Let us be the swing vote, as we were prior to the final approval of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit train.

— Christopher H. Lang,

Fairfax