Local News

Jennifer York of the West Sebastopol Advocates for Safe Routes to School writes:

Currently there is NO safe bicycle route nor consistent walking route to and from the town of Sebastopol on Bodega Avenue and up Watertrough Road; whereas, residents of all ages are seen attempting to traverse this route on a daily basis, and many more would do so if it were safe.

• Considering the number of schools on Watertrough Road (Apple Blossom, Orchard View, Twin Hills, Willow Spring, Sun Ridge and Pleasant Hill Christian School), and the hundreds of children commuting from the town of Sebastopol to attend these schools, we feel it is important to ensure safe foot and bike accessibility.

• There are over 1000 students and staff who attend these schools on Watertrough, representing approximately 700 families. Of those, only 58 children use the limited school bus services.• The segment of Bodega Avenue from Atascadero Creek Pedestrian Bridge to Watertrough is also an important gateway for all bicyclists, providing access to west county roads and connecting them to the eastbound Joe Rodata Trail and the northbound West County Trail.

• The Sonoma County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (SCBPAC) considered adding these segments of Bodega Avenue and Watertrough Road as new Class I pathway projects in the draft County unincorporated bike/pedestrian plan update, based on public input during workshops. We would like to present these signatures as additional and continued support for a Class I Pathway.

• Again, we want to insure these projects are given priority status, and that they receive the funding required. Please help us create safe routes to our schools, and provide bicyclists of all ages safe access to and from Western Sonoma County.

You can now sign the West Sebastopol Bicycle/Pedestrian Route and Traffic Calming Petition by going to: www.surveymonkey.com