Healdsburg by Healdsburg Coalition - January 2018
As reported in December, our Community applied to the
This month we spotlight a key sustainability issue, transportation.
Transportation is the #1 source of carbon emissions in the County and the US. Healdsburg is working to make it easier to get around without a car, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and free up parking spaces downtown.
In November Healdsburg’s City Council approved a five-year extension of the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District’s two percent hotel tax. Fifteen percent of the monies collected, $90,000 each year, will fund a fixed route shuttle service linking the Foss Creek Community Center to the downtown during peak hours for employees and visitors. As demand grows and funding increases, additional shuttle service to and from visitor parking lots and lodging facilities may be added.
When the 110 Dry Creek Hotel is completed in late April of 2018, the hotel will offer a shuttle service to downtown for guests and provide bicycles for guests who want to bike to downtown or on the city’s new bike paths.
A new taxi service is starting up after a year in which the city has been without a licensed taxicab operator. Called Blue Moon Taxi, the company will be serving Healdsburg and driving to Sonoma County airport. Contact (707) 703-8922.
Bike Rental Stations Early in 2018, 7 to 10 short-term cruiser-style bikes will be available for rent at seven stations located around town for visitors/residents local trips. Zagster, Inc., a national company, is providing the bicycles, docking stations, maintenance, and 24/7 customer service. To rent bikes, users pay a one-time fee of $5, then the first hour is free and each additional hour is $7 up to $56. There is a $30 fee for trips lasting longer than 24 hours.
Promoting biking to local businesses The City’s Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC)is recommending the City Council simplify the City’s Bike Friendly Program. The program recognizes local businesses that provide commuter incentives to employees and support visitor and resident biking. In 2018 the TAC is recommending the City revise its 2008 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The TAC is considering hosting a community forum to find out what improvements residents would like and how to overcome some of the barriers that keep people from biking and walking more.
Finally, the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission (SCAC) is assessing transportation options in Healdsburg and will be making a recommendation to the City Council in February. A portion of the transportation plan would include a proposed volunteer driver program for residents who no longer drive or are unable to take other transit options to get to their destinations. Drivers would be pre-screened and rides would be limited to city limits and scheduled in advance. Interested residents are encouraged to attend the January SCAC, Wednesday, January 24th at 10am to hear the proposed transportation plan from the City’s Active Adult & Senior Services Supervisor Anna Grant.
