Rich Olken, Executive Director of Bikes Belong Coalition, announced that Bikes Belong is funding a second grant to the Marin County Bicycle Coalition to support their initiative to build the Marin County North-South Bicycle Freeway, an alternative to Highway 101, the fourth most congested freeway in California. It will create a bicycling alternative beginning at the Golden Gate Bridge and providing access to 51 schools, 7 transit centers, 2 ferry terminals, many shopping areas, major employers, and the planned light rail service called SMART. The North-South Bicycle Freeway will link up with a number of East-West routes as well.

The Bikes Belong Coalition grant will be used to help develop the Freeway's master plan for its full 25 miles and enable Marin County Bicycle Coalition to coordinate funding for the entire $22.5 million project. Marin Supervisor John Kress said, "The MCBC has become one of the best informed, best organized advocacy groups in Marin. Their involvement is invaluable."

This project, when fully realized, will enable a substantial number of people to use bicycles as their primary means of transportation. The North-South Freeway will be a model for future development of bicycle highways throughout the world. "The work of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition helps to create a healthy, environmentally-friendly solution to our transportation problems," said Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma). "The North-South Bikeway will take cars off the freeway and people out of their cars and will be an important component of a comprehensive transportation plan."

Debbie Hubsmith, Executive Director of Marin County Bicycle Coalition, enthused "The MCBC sends out its sincere thanks to Bikes Belong for this grant and for their ongoing national leadership. Bikes Belong has brought the bike industry and advocacy groups together so that we are working in tandem. As a result, our voices are being heard, and we're seeing solid results."

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You can find more information on the North-South Bicycle Freeway project at www.marinbike.org, by calling (415) 445-3469, by writing to the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, P.O. Box 35, San Anselmo CA 94979, or email to debhub@igc.org

Bikes Belong Coalition is an organization established and supported by the leaders of the bicycle industry. Its mission is "putting more people on bikes more often through the implementation of TEA-21". For more information about Bikes Belong Coalition, its mission, and how to be a part of it, call 617-734-2800 or email Bikes Belong Coalition at mail@bikesbelong.org. Information about Bikes Belong Coalition, and the "Guide to Bicycle Advocacy" and Grant Application information are at www.bikesbelong.org.