Community Groups Trying to Raise Funds for Petaluma-Sebastopol Trail

Local community groups are trying to raise nearly $20,000 for a feasibility study of an 11 mile multi-use trail between Petaluma and Sebastopol.

“This trail is one of the most important in our countywide bicycle pedestrian network,” says Sandra Lupien, outreach director at Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, one of the groups working to build the trail. “It could reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, create safe routes to schools, and stimulate the economy."

The trail would be open to pedestrians, cyclists and even equestrians and start at the KOA campground off Stony Point Road and finish at Cooper Road in Sebastopol. One tentative option is to have the trail follow the former tracks of the Petaluma Sebastopol Railroad northwest of Meecham Road.

"We're looking for areas that don't have big environmental issues and for landowners we can work with," said Gary Helfrich, executive director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.

Click on the map on the right to see the proposed area for the trail

Once supporters raise the needed funds, they will be attached to a $190,000 grant proposal that will be submitted by Sonoma County Regional Parks to Caltrans. The study is the necessary next step toward creating the trail, which has been designated as a high priority project in the 2010 Sonoma County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and is part of Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Bicycle Network for the Bay Area.

"There are very few funding sources for feasibility studies, so it's exciting for this project to be able to apply for a Caltrans grant," Lupien said. "We think it's going to be very competitive." 

Joe Morgan is an avid cyclist and a member of the Petaluma Wheelmen Cycling Club and has long advocated for a safe route for cyclists, pedestrians and others between Petaluma and Sebastopol.

“We don't have any trails like this in Petaluma," Morgan said. "This would provide a trail experience in a rural setting that is away from cars and is very flat. I love the idea of having a trail that connects to community."

If you want to make a tax-deductible donation, you can do so at www.bikesonoma.org (Click on the article titled “You can help link Petaluma and Sebastopol for Bikes!”); You can also download a donation form at this link to mail along with a check. To receive a donation form by mail, call 707-545-0153 or email Sandra@Bikesonoma.org.