Bay Trail Design Guidelines & Toolkit 2.0
The Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit 2.0 provide goals and direction for site planning and trail design to help achieve the vision of a 500-mile Bay Trail network.
In 2016, MTC developed the original San Francisco Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit to provide the region with a design resource applicable to any project that includes the Bay Trail. The guidelines provide goals and direction for site planning and trail design to facilitate achievement of the Bay Trail vision. They also establish a set of design principles aimed at developing and managing the Bay Trail while providing for the protection of Bay resources, regional livability, and local economic prosperity.
The San Francisco Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit were developed for use by:
- Developers, land planners and other members of professional teams designing projects along the Bay shoreline with access to and along it;
- Public agencies involved in resource protection, land use planning and the development of trail facilities;
- San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission staff, Design Review Board members and Commission members when considering the siting and design of shoreline public access proposals; and
- Community groups and individuals assisting with implementation of the Bay Trail.
Expected Outcomes
In February 2024, MTC kicked off the process to update the document, with an expected completion date in 2025.
The Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit 2.0 will incorporate policy and strategy changes at MTC (including the MTC Complete Streets Policy, Bay Area Vision Zero initiatives, MTC Equity Platform, Bay Trail Equity Strategy, etc.), as well as changes in trends in active transportation and trail design (new mobility, resilience, climate change, green infrastructure, etc.).
The Bay Trail Design Guidelines and Toolkit 2.0 document is intended to provide general guidelines only. Each local jurisdiction utilizing the document will be responsible for the plans, design and improvements to the Bay Trail in their area, including all items that may affect trail safety.
Staff Contact
Diane Dohm (Dee), Bay Trail Planner
Phone: 415-778-4429
Email: ddohm@bayareametro.gov