San Rafael’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed a proposal Oct. 14 to add an eastbound bike lane on First Street between D and E streets while keeping vehicle traffic westbound.

The committee supported Option 3, the alternative recommended by city staff, according to the city’s official meeting recording. The proposal would place the bike lane along the street’s north side.

The block currently permits westbound traffic only. According to the staff presentation, that restriction prevents legal eastbound bicycle travel, although cyclists use the block informally to reach D Street and Wolfe Grade.

Senior civil engineer Grey Melgard outlined four alternatives. Option 2 would also retain westbound vehicle traffic but place the eastbound bike lane along the south side, limiting parking to driveways.

Options 1 and 1a would reverse vehicle traffic to eastbound and provide a westbound bike lane. Option 1a would also include an assessment of whether a stop sign is warranted at First and D streets.

The presentation traces the project to the city’s 2018 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update and says it remains identified in the 2026 update.

The committee’s endorsement establishes its preferred alternative. Further design work is needed, including markings to guide street users through the D and E street intersections.

Embarcadero pilot recommendation

At the same meeting, the committee unanimously accepted draft findings and recommendations from the Embarcadero Way traffic pilot between Marina Court Drive and Mission Avenue.

The pilot tested northeastbound-only vehicle traffic, southwestbound-only traffic and a closure to motor vehicles that allowed bicycle and pedestrian access.

The draft recommendation favors northeastbound-only vehicle travel for long-term installation. It also calls for addressing vehicle speeds during design and implementation.

The full vehicle closure began June 15, according to the city’s Phase 3 notice. That notice set an Aug. 31 survey deadline and said the closure would remain temporarily while the project team prepared its report.

The committee’s acceptance of the report was an advisory action. The presentation identifies bringing the findings and recommendation to City Council as a next step toward a decision on permanent changes.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., according to the Oct. 14 agenda.

Residents can contact the city’s traffic engineering team at [email protected].