A new San Francisco Bay Trail equity strategy has been created to look at how to develop a trail that is accessible and welcoming to all people in the Bay Area.
The Bay Trail Equity Strategy Phase I History and Existing Conditions Study is intended to help Bay Trail decision-makers understand and address historic and present-day inequities. The Bay Trail, a joint project of MTC and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), is a series of connected walking and cycling paths that ring the San Francisco and San Pablo bays.
The strategy was created in response to the launch of the MTC/ABAG Equity Platform – a process and a practice to advance equity throughout all the work that MTC does. This means centering equity throughout planning, investment, design, engagement, communications, marketing, evaluation and project delivery efforts. In the Phase I report, the study team reviewed historic literature, analyzed socio-demographic data, and interviewed community leaders and organizers.
As a next step, the equity strategy process will include online and in-person public engagement events. Engagement will be focused on listening to and learning about the experiences of residents in Equity Priority Communities and people with marginalized identities. MTC is partnering with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition in partnership with San Francisco Parks Alliance, and Bike East Bay in partnership with Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program.
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is hosting a listening session on April 19, 2023 as part of the April 2023 Biketivist Forum. See the details and register for this free event. Check the Bay Trail Equity Strategy web page for activities coming up this summer, including group bike rides and hosted walks along the Bay Trail.
Bay Trail Equity Strategy partners include: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, San Francisco Parks Alliance, Bike East Bay, and Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program.
