Some Paths Open To Pedestrians, Not Bicyclists: Rohnert Park DPS

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Some multi-use paths in Rohnert Park, for example the SMART and Rohnert Park Creek paths, are closed to bicyclists but open to pedestrians as a result of the Sonoma County health officer's order closing all parks in the county, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety advised Tuesday.

The order left families scrambling for ways to get outdoor exercise amid county and state shelter-at-home orders meant to curb coronavirus.

As Rohnert Park DPS pointed out, No. 9 of the order closing Sonoma County parks states: "Paved multi-use pathways outside of park boundaries remain open except to bicycles and horses."

Last week prior to the parks' closure but after the county's shelter-at-home order was enacted, Rohnert Park DPS Deputy Chief Aaron Johnson said efforts to "flatten the curve" of coronavirus do not work if people are not keeping a social distance of 6 feet from others in the community.

"Our officers are not driving around looking to 'cite' people for not adhering to the Order," Johnson told Patch. "We will take a compassionate approach as we understand these times are tough for all of us."