Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) broke ground on a bicycle and pedestrian pathway connecting Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa as the rail system works toward connecting more communities.
This pathway project — which got underway with the groundbreaking event last Friday at Andy’s Unity Park in Santa Rosa — underscores SMART's commitment to sustainable and green transportation solutions.
The SMART Pathway/Great Redwood Trail strengthens community bonds, provides access to outdoor activities, fosters social connections, and contributes to a more environmentally responsible North Bay, the agency noted.
Once completed, the new pathway segment will create a bicycle and pedestrian pathway linking Cotati, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa.
MTC Commissioners Santa Rosa City Councilmember Victoria Fleming and Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt were at the event.
The SMART pathway reflects the Bay Area’s shared regional goals of promoting climate-friendly and accessible transportation projects that support housing development, MTC Executive Director Andrew Fremier said at the groundbreaking.
On top of being a community asset for all to enjoy, the pathway shows how MTC is prioritizing investment in equity priority communities — in this case helping make safe pedestrian and bicycle travel possible in a neighborhood where there aren’t a lot of sidewalks, Fremier noted.
MTC just approved $2.8 million for the SMART path in Windsor, under the Regional Measure 3 North Bay Transit Access Improvements category. The the RM3 Expenditure Plan also includes $40 million for SMART rail extensions to Windsor and Healdsburg.
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