Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project – Starkweather Path Use Survey Results

As part of the Canal Neighborhood Active Transportation Enhancement Project, lighting enhancements are proposed for the city-owned portions of the Bay Trail/Jean & John Starkweather Path ("Starkweather Path"). The City of San Rafael is exploring the possibility of installing waist high, bollard lighting and overhead lighting along the Starkweather Path. The City administered a public survey to learn more about how residents use the path, and their thoughts on the lighting project.

Background Context:

For context, the initial proposal for lighting along the Starkweather Path came from a collaborative effort between the City of San Rafael, Dominican University of California, Canal Alliance, and Voces de Canal to advocate for public lighting improvements in the Canal neighborhood. The team identified seven routes that required improved lighting (Figure 1) with the Starkweather Path being listed as route number seven (7). These recommendations were included and highlighted as a key issue for the community in the Canal Neighborhood Community-Based Transportation Plan. ​

Additionally, the City's Police Department recommended the proposed lighting enhancements to improve safety in the area. The proposal for lighting was a response to the feedback from the residents and the City's Police Department recommendation.

Survey Methodology:

The City administered the Starkweather Path Use survey starting on February 19, 2026, through March 31, 2026. The survey was sent via email to residents and interested stakeholders, including neighborhood groups, Canal Alliance, San Rafael City Schools. A link to the survey was available on the Project's website, and several flyers with QR codes to the survey were posted along Starkweather Path for individuals to scan and take the survey with a mobile device. The seven-question survey sought to understand how, why, and at what times the Starkweather Path is used as well as to get feedback on the primary areas of concern and benefit previously raised by community members. This included path safety and access as well as potential negative impacts on the environment, housing, users, and views. 385 responses were received with the highest number of responses coming from Baypoint Lagoons Neighborhood (123 responses), Spinnaker Point Neighborhood (100 responses), and Canal Neighborhood (93 responses).

Results:

• Frequency of Use: Overall, majority of respondents indicated daily and weekly use of the path.
  • Baypoint Lagoon: majority of respondents indicated daily use of the path
  • Canal: respondents were split evenly between daily and weekly use of the path
  • Spinnaker Point: majority of respondents indicated daily use of the path

• Mode of Transportation: Walking is the most common activity for the Starkweather Path across all three neighborhoods.
  • Baypoint Lagoon: majority of respondents indicated walking and biking as the top two modes of transportation along the path
  • Canal: majority of respondents indicated walking and jogging as the top two modes of transportation along the path
  • Spinnaker Point: majority of respondents indicated walking and jogging as the top two modes of transportation along the path

• Reason for use: Recreation/exercise, enjoying nature, and running errands are the top three uses for the path across all three neighborhoods.
  • Baypoint Lagoon: running errands represented 8.1% of responses
  • Canal: running errands represented 25.8% of responses
  • Spinnaker Point: running errands represented 15% of responses

• Times of use: Overall, majority of respondents indicated 3pm-6pm (afternoon) and 9am-12pm (mid-morning) as the most common times of use.
  • Baypoint Lagoon: most common times of use were 3pm-6pm (afternoon) and 9am-12pm (mid-morning)
  • Canal: most common times of use were 6pm-9pm (evening) and 3pm-6pm (afternoon)

• • Spinnaker Point: most common times of use were 3pm-6pm (afternoon) and 9am-12pm (mid-morning)
• Impacts of proposed lighting: Overall the majority of respondents indicated they agreed most with the statements that lighting will negatively impact the surrounding environment and lighting will increase safety.
  • Baypoint Lagoon: most agreed with the statements that lighting will negatively impact the surrounding environment, lighting will block path, and lighting would not change their use of the path
  • Canal: most agreed with the statements that lighting will increase safety, lighting will prevent illegal activities, and lighting will negatively impact the surrounding environment
  • Spinnaker Point: most agreed with the statements that lighting will negatively impact the surrounding environment, lighting will block path, and lighting would not change their use of the path

Takeaways:

Some of the main takeaways from the survey include:

• The Starkweather Path is used heavily across all neighborhoods.

• Walking is the primary mode of use.

• Recreation and nature enjoyment are the dominant reasons for using the path across all groups.

• Usage patterns vary by neighborhood and time of day.

• Perspectives on proposed lighting differ by neighborhood.

• Overall, the findings suggest differing community priorities.

Considerations for Discussion:

As the City decision-makers consider next steps, below are a list of questions of considerations for discussion:

• Are there limited or targeted lighting options rather than corridor-wide lighting?

• Are there operational improvements, such as maintenance, sightlines, patrol visibility, signage, that could address some safety concerns?

• How should neighborhood differences inform future outreach and engagement?

• How can Starkweather Path serve multiple neighborhood needs while respecting both access and environmental stewardship?

Next Steps:

• Staff will be taking the results of the Survey and additional community feedback received previously to the City Council during the June 15th General Meeting.

• In an effort to be responsive to feedback received through community outreach Staff will be presenting options for City Council consideration regarding the proposed lighting along Starkweather Path.