Oakland City Council has directed staff to seek additional community input on planned street improvements for Telegraph Avenue in the Koreatown Northgate (KONO) District. Improvements for Telegraph Avenue in the KONO District between 20th Street-29th Street are currently slated for 2021, and include more permanent upgrades for pedestrians, bike riders, transit riders, and shoppers. While we don’t want a delay in improvements, we support the city in seeking additional community input. Stay up to date on this campaign: sign up for action alerts at BikeEastBay.org/OaklandBikeways.
An initial stakeholder meeting kicks off this week between community partners and representatives. Bike East Bay and Walk Oakland Bike Oakland will be there, along with representatives from the Northgate Neighborhood Council and the KONO Business Improvement District. Community input is being solicited to address concerns about safety, First Fridays, and parking. Oakland has $4.5 million secured to improve Telegraph Avenue in 2021, and since the initial protected bike lane installation in 2016, both safety and shopping on the street have improved. Upgrades should benefit local merchants and residents, as well as shoppers, transit riders and the many seniors living there. Our ask in the coming months is that the process focuses on identified problems and real solutions.
What you can do: continue to shop businesses in KONO. A few recommendations—Koreana Plaza offers a full-service market with fresh seafood; Gogi Time Korean BBQ now offers outdoor dining and tasty food; Ole Ole Burrito makes a great wet burrito and the Good Hop Bottle Shop has the best beer selection in Downtown.
Bike East Bay values input and leadership from the community, and we work to ensure that people who are most affected by street and policy changes are engaged and leading during the decision-making process. Throughout the years, Bike East Bay members and volunteers have helped make connected, protected Telegraph Avenue a reality. Stay up to date on this campaign: sign up for action alerts at BikeEastBay.org/OaklandBikeways.
Campaigns like a protected, connected Telegraph Avenue are supported by Bike East Bay members. Become a member today!
