The City of Sebastopol has been working closely with the community to reimagine downtown as a safer, more vibrant, and people-focused place. Funded by a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant, this 18-month effort evaluated how Main Street, Petaluma Avenue, Sebastopol Avenue, and McKinley Street can better function as both a regional corridor and the heart of the city. Through technical analysis, coordination with Caltrans, and multiple rounds of community engagement, the study developed and evaluated four alternatives focused on safety, walkability, bicycle access, traffic calming, and downtown vitality. The result is a recommended framework for City Council consideration that advances safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term investment in downtown.

After reviewing the survey results and public input, on February 10, 2026 the Planning Commission recommended a hybrid approach that carries forward the pedestrian and bicycle improvements most supported by the community, combined with a two-way circulation framework for continued design development and feasibility analysis, referred to as Alternative 5: Walkable Two-Way.

On Tuesday March 3, 2026, the City Council took action to establish this new "Walkable Two Way" alternative as the preferred alternative.

The Walkable Two Way Alternative and additional bikeway studies will be presented to the Planning Commission on April 28, 2026 and the City Council on May 19, 2026. Check back here for materials and project updates

Preferred Alternative: Walkable Two Way

Alternative 5: Walkable Two Way includes widened sidewalks and landscaping opportunities on both sides of Main Street in the downtown core, bulbouts and shortened pedestrian crossings at multiple intersections, and dedicated bikeway facilities along McKinley St and Petaluma Ave. To achieve maximum route directness for motorists, both Main St and Petaluma Ave would be converted to two-way operations. Exactly which side of Petaluma Ave and McKinley St is under evaluation to better connect with the regional bikeway and trail network and other points of interest in the vicinity of downtown.

Alternative 5: Walkable Two Way

Check out the initial four alternatives considered by clicking here for the details.


Each alternative includes safety streetscape enhancements to address the study objectives and input provided during our many community engagement events and activities. Learn more about what we heard by visiting the Community Workshop pages linked above.

Please submit any comments to planning@cityofsebastopol.gov with the subject line "STG Downtown Comments"