Under staffed, over worked, yet still cranking out much-needed bikeway improvements, Berkeley’s Transportation Services Division of Public Works is putting Berkeley back on the map with several projects coming up making the East Bay’s most bike-friendly city an even better place for your ride.
The East Bay Bicycle Coalition has been advocating for over 10 year for the Ninth Street Bicycle Boulevard connection to Emeryville, so it is great news that this project is not only under constructionn but is scheduled to be completed in April. This project goes past Berkeley Bowl West and connects to Doyle St in Emeryville. By Bike to Work Day this year you will be able to ride this important regional connection in style.
Next, we are delighted to report that the Milvia Street Bicycle Boulevard will be repaved later this year, three years ahead of schedule and many years past due. Your complaints about the miserable pavement conditions on this street have been heard. In addition the bike lanes next to Berkeley High School will be improved and the substandard bike lane south of Channing will be replaced with full-on ‘boulevard’ treatment.
And BART staff are working hard for bike improvements in Berkeley too. At the Ashby BART Station, a fourth bike station is being added to the BART system – joining others at Embarcadero, Fruitvale and Downtown Berkeley. It’s expected to open later this March. It will not be staffed, so you will need a BikeLink card to get access and will have space for 128 bikes. Design work is also beginning soon on the West Street Bikeway, which will complete the connection from Strawberry Park all the way to the Ohlone Greenway.
Thank you to all our members and volunteers for your support to make these projects happen.