Horrific traffic jams are strangling Mill Valley and seriously impact our quality of life. Traffic is discouraging biking and walking, destroying the ambiance of Mill Valley, causing terrible air pollution, causing unacceptable and economically costly delays, and reducing local business. "Traffic Calming" measures will win support from the protected localities, but the resulting obstructions will increase congestion elsewhere and will cause even more traffic jams and frustration.
At each election, candidates offer pie in the sky "solutions" such as shuttle vans and mini-buses. However, when elected, they have been unwilling to take the political heat required to effectuate real change.
Traffic can be reduced by mode shifting measures such as safe bike routes and walkways. A shared bicycle program such as the Velib system in Paris could provide non-motorized transportation connecting the Manzanita and US 101 bus stops with downtown Mill Valley. Re-opening the Alto Tunnel for non-motorized use would significantly reduce traffic, particularly at the critical after school rush hour. Eliminating at least daytime parking on E Blithedale between Camino Alto and Park School would allow for safe bike lanes for commuters and for children going to and from school.
Real traffic improvement is going to require widening E Blithedale in front of Whole Foods as envisioned when the shopping center was developed, making Hamilton a two way street, removing stop signs installed to placate neighbors rather than for intersection safety, and actually having a single agency coordinate the multiple traffic lights on E Blithedale. Each of these suggestions will result in a vocal NIMBY protest by a relatively few people, but will improve the life of thousands of Mill Valley residents. Without these improvements, Mill Valley will become a less and less desirable place to live and raise children.