A planner by education and training, I had been working for more than a decade at two different engineering firms, neither of which took bicycling or walking seriously. Standing at the top of a ski run in 1996 at the Alta resort in Tahoe, I saw the solution: form my own firm dedicated to making communities more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. At first, with two small girls and working out of my home in Marin County CA, I wondered if I was crazy. But soon, I was so busy I had to bring on more staff. Since then, we’ve succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve learned over and over that no matter where you are or how far you have to go, opportunities abound to become more livable, safe, healthy, green, and sustainable.
Michael Jones has managed more than 200 studies since 1985, ranging from major national, state, and regional plans to corridor studies to plans for small towns. Mr. Jones is a nationally-recognized expert in bicycle, pedestrian, and trail planning and design, as well as in financial analysis, and transportation and parking management. He has developed innovative methodologies and models for topics such as bicycle demand, GIS-linked roadway suitability, and shared-use parking. He has presented to and been published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the American Planning Association, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Recent Projects
Marin County (California) Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
Mr. Jones managed this major plan for Marin County, located north of San Francisco. The Plan included extensive public workshops, needs analysis, field review, and surveys of bicyclists, pedestrians, and school children. This project also entailed the review of several old railroad tunnels for possible conversion into public multi-use pathways. Adding to the complexity of these tunnels is proposed shared-use with future rail transit. Other improvements included sidewalk and educational programs, colored bike lanes, and shoulder improvements in rural areas.
Coachella Valley Trail and Bikeway Master Plan – Palm Springs, California
Mr. Jones managed this regional study of a 300 square-mile area including the communities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indio. The study included: coordination of existing plans, policies, and standards; development of a regional plan for pedestrians, bicycles, and trails; and development of a framework for obtaining funding to construct facilities and develop programs. The study also included extensive public and staff involvement, a detailed work program and schedule, and use of GIS and CAD in mapping and analysis.
Connecticut River Rail Trail - Windham County, Vermont
Mr. Jones managed a major corridor feasibility and design study of this proposed rail-with-trail. Some of the design issues included riparian impacts, access, safety, and liability. Alta assisted through the negotiation process with the railroad, which included development of an easement agreement.
San Jose (California) Safe Routes to School Program
Mr. Jones co-managed this major study of 180 schools in San Jose, identifying improvements to school commute routes and drop-off areas. Mr. Jones helped pioneer innovative methodologies that allowed for quick identification of practical solutions, along with required phasing and costs estimates.
Livable Waikiki Project – Honolulu, Hawaii
Mr. Jones contributed bicycle, pedestrian, ride share, smart shuttle, traffic calming, and other expertise to this major project in Honolulu, working with a team of transportation and urban design experts.
