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Route 32 is free in Sonoma Valley

Transportation

Fossil fuel consumed for transportation is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution in Sonoma accounting for 60% of our overall GHG emissions.

Not driving or driving less by carpooling; using Sonoma’s public transportation or a taxi or rideshare or shifting to people-powered transportation by walking or biking are key actions you can take. And, upgrading to an electric vehicle will help reduce your carbon footprint in addition to other impacts from fossil fuels such as reducing oil spills, petroleum refinery pollution, and ground-level ozone.

Below are online tools and FAQs to help you identify potential energy and cost savings including transportation reduction actions and various opportunities for free transportation assistance, support, and cost savings.

Low Carbon Transportation Actions

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Ride the “Fare-Free” Sonoma Shuttle (Route 32)

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Walk or bike to downtown, the Plaza, or Depot Park

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Rent a bicycle and ride Sonoma’s 8.3 miles of bike trails/routes or explore on your own

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Upgrade to an EV-electric vehicle

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Consider telecommuting where possible

Transportation FAQs

Where can I learn more about bicycling safely?

Learn the Top 10 Things to Know about Bikes.

Written by Sarah Hadler, Program Manager and League of American Bicyclist Cycling Instructor #3909 with the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition

Does the City offer expedited permitting to install EV chargers at a home or business?

Yes, the City’s Building Department offers expedited permitting (1 to 3 days) for EV Charging Stations.

Where can I find the City’s anti-idling ordinance?

The ordinance can be found in Sonoma Municipal Code (SMC) 9.56.080, which limits idling of commercial vehicles when parked within 100 feet of a residential zoning district to 5 consecutive minutes of idling except when vehicles is loading/unloading in which idling is limited to 30 minutes.

Where are the City’s bike paths and lanes located?

The City’s existing bicycle network consists of Class I pathways, Class II bike lanes, and Class III bike routes. The City’s longest Class I pathway is the Sonoma City Trail, which generally runs east-west and extends for approximately 1.5 miles across northern Sonoma. The Nathanson Creek Trail extends north-south along Nathanson Creek in the City’s southeast quadrant connecting local neighborhoods and Sonoma Valley High School and Adele Harrison Middle School.

Bike paths and lanes are shown on the City’s Bicycle Map.

Where can I buy a used bicycle or have my bicycle fixed?

Sonoma’s Teen Services Operation Bicycle operates a community bike shop at 207 Nino Marco Square. Bike shop staff and volunteers work with teens to repair used bicycles for sale and provide maintenance and repair services for the general public. There is also a bike repair station located at the Sonoma Valley Branch of the County Library.

Is there public transportation in Sonoma?

Yes, there is local service, the Sonoma Shuttle (Route 32), which is “fare free.” There is also intercity service between Sonoma and Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and San Rafael, and a SMART connector service. For more information visit Sonoma County Transit.

Where can I find a charging station for my electric vehicle?

The City of Sonoma encourages the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) as part of our progress towards becoming a low carbon community. There are public DC fast chargers located at the Bank of America parking lot and Tier 2 chargers located in the public parking lot at 152 East Napa Street (enter from East Napa Street near First Street East).  A ChargePoint Card or phone app works best to activate the charging station. If using a Visa, Discover, American Express, or paypass card please contact 1-888-758-4389 and the charging station will be unlocked remotely.

The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau provides information on electric vehicle charging stations at local hotels and other locations in Sonoma Valley, and Sonoma County Tourism provides information on locations of EV charging stations in other areas of Sonoma County.

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