This is an update on our “Lake Merritt Loop” campaign, envisioning a 2-way protected cycletrack all the way around Lake Merritt in Oakland, along with connecting routes serving neighbors from all parts of town.
To receive these types of updates directly by email, sign up for our campaign list at BikeEastBay.org/LML.
JOIN A LAKE LOOP BIKE RIDE
“Slowkland” ride with Bike East Bay – Tuesday, June 28, 2026 – Meet 5:30pm at Lake Merritt BART (Oak Street and 9th Street)
Â
This will be the final event in our monthly Lake Merritt ride series, for the time being. We will check out ongoing construction progress for several bikeway projects around and connecting to the lake (info below), and learn about what’s coming up next.
The slow-paced, 4.4-mile ride is free and all are welcome. All participants will get a custom spoke decoration!
East Bay Kidical Mass – Lake Merritt Ride – Saturday, August 8, 2026 – Meet 10:30am at Snow Park (Harrison Street and 20th Street)
This is a large group ride with an easy pace for kids of all ages, family members, and supporters. The rides are free and all are welcome.
At the beginning of the ride, the event organizers will hand out stickers, safety vests, and bike bells for the kids attending. The group will roll out at 11:00am, loop around the Lake, and return to Snow Park at the end, where riders will be able to enjoy good company, waffles, churros, soft-serve ice cream, and more!
CYCLETRACK PROJECT UPDATES
Grand Avenue – Lake Park Avenue to Elwood Avenue
Oakland DOT staff recently shared that the protected bikeway already planned with paving for Grand Ave between Broadway and Lake Park / Santa Clara Ave will be extended even further north to Elwood Ave.
Concept plans for this added section are included below. For more info, register for updates on Oakland’s project page here.
Franklin Street – 11th Street to Broadway
The Franklin protected bikeway construction that we checked out at the June “Slowkland” group ride is nearly complete!
Check out a ride-through video for part of the facility here, and join our group ride on Tuesday, July 28th where we will all bike it together.
Lakeshore Avenue – MacArthur Boulevard to E 18th Street
In June 2026 we reported on the imminent re-start of construction for this cycletrack, after a several month delay. This kicked off with deep “base repair” paving (photo below) to address the roadway segments in the worst condition.
Next up is concrete island construction for the pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and the 2-way protected bikeway. This will be followed by top-layer curb to curb paving, then lane line striping. We hope that all of this work will be completed before the end of the year.
There will be limited closures and access impacts to the existing painted bike lanes on Lakeshore during construction. During those times, bike riders are allowed to either use the off-street trail along the lake or ride in the street with car traffic.
More information will be posted to the City of Oakland project landing page here, as it is available.
To receive Lake Merritt Loop updates directly by email, sign up for our campaign list at BikeEastBay.org/LML or click the button below.