Better Bridgeway safety helps Sausalito economy

In his recent Marin Voice commentary (“‘Better Bridgeway’ plan in Sausalito makes sense for more than just cyclists,” Feb. 28), Warren J. Wells mentions that a few vocal locals claim that the project to increase safety on that road would “ruin the city.” As a Sausalito resident and an active pedestrian and bicyclist, I regularly find myself in our downtown and along this iconic stretch of Bridgeway. As Wells points out, in its current configuration, the corridor serves no one well.

I think the current roadway configuration is ruining our city. I consider it to be a messy free-for-all of motor-vehicle movements that require pedestrians and bicyclists to constantly worry about their safety as they seek to enjoy one of the most spectacular settings in California.

The Better Bridgeway plan will bring needed order to the street and, as Wells points out, “improve Bridgeway for everyone,” including motor vehicles.

I believe we are missing a tremendous economic opportunity. Many communities across the country have embraced efforts to improve bicycle facilities, both for their residents’ quality of life and for visitors. Some have become popular destinations precisely because of their bicycle-friendly streets and attractions, with documented economic benefits.

Located adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito is uniquely situated to capitalize on a built-in visitor market. We need to do more to enhance the visitor experience. When I talk to residents and visitors during my daily walks or rides along Bridgeway, I often hear comments about how beautiful it is, followed by statements that they “Afelt nervous” riding their bike or trying to cross the street.

The Better Bridgeway plan will improve our city — not only for local residents, but also for our economy.

— Michael Smiley, Sausalito

No need to cater to out-of-town cyclists

There is a growing uproar over proposed changes to add two bicycle lanes to the most scenic stretch of Sausalito’s main road — Bridgeway.

From my perspective, I think it is unclear what problem, or problems, proponents of adding two bike lanes are trying to solve. In my experience, the current configuration of this stretch works as originally designed for most people. I am unaware about reports of serious injuries. Locals and tourists fill restaurants and shops. Many bicyclists and pedestrians continue to visit.

I think proponents are overlooking concerns that changing the configuration would hamper emergency vehicles from reaching the south end of the city, as they can now. Additionally, businesses will lose what’s left of their already very limited storefront parking.

Having lived and operated a business in Sausalito for 36 years, I’ve witnessed many of these solutions in search of problems. Often, they require significant funding promoted by a small group. As a sustainability professional, I strongly advocate for bicycles, public transit and walking.

The only individuals who seem to have a problem with the current setup are cyclists who want to travel faster. I suspect many are commuters from out of town. Instead, let’s prioritize the ability for people to cross the street safely, support local businesses and for bicycles to continue to enjoy our streets.

— Kimery Wiltshire, Sausalito

Misinformation campaigns about EVs are disturbing

I am writing in response to the article published March 7 with the headline “Marin maintains growth in electric vehicle sales.” It’s important that Marin County is second in the state for EV sales, since more than half of this county’s emissions come from the transportation sector. I have two things to add.

First, drivers with Teslas may feel tested these days because of CEO Elon Musk’s controversial work for the Trump administration. I saw a bumper sticker in San Francisco that might help. It read, “Love the car, not the man.”

Second, you might wonder why EV sales boom in Marin. I think it is, in part, because of the strong, accurate coverage the industry gets in the Marin Independent Journal. Some news outlets publish stories I consider misleading or even appear to be part of a misinformation campaign. I’ve never seen the IJ do that.

I want to thank the reporters and editors at the IJ for avoiding the negative EV “click bait” while also sharing my thanks to Marin drivers for holding fast.

— Jane Gould, Tiburon