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.
CYCLETRACK PROJECT UPDATES
Lakeshore Avenue – MacArthur Boulevard to E 18th Street
The Lakeshore 2-way protected bikeway project construction re-started in June, after a several month delay. There has been ongoing progress since, with the concrete bikeway separation and bus boarding islands now taking shape. Full roadway paving will follow, then lane line striping.
This work will continue through the end of 2026, weather permitting, with some access impacts to the southbound Lakeshore bikeway in the meantime. During these times, bike riders are allowed to either use the off-street trail along the lake (take it slow and pass pedestrians safely) or ride in the street with car traffic.
Visit the City of Oakland project landing page here for ongoing updates, and join our “Slowkland” lake loop ride on September 28, 2026, to check out the progress yourself (info below).
Grand Avenue – Broadway to Elwood Avenue
This past month Oakland DOT published new concept plans for the Grand Ave protected bikeway to their project landing page, including details for the corridor between Broadway and Elwood Ave.
The full 30 MB concept plan is available here. We are very happy that the physically protected bikeway has been extended through the Grand Lake area north of 580.
South of 580 the roadway is being reduced from 4 car lanes to 3, to improve pedestrian crossing safety and enable the two-way cycletrack segments that will tie into the rest of the Lake Merritt loop.
Register for updates on Oakland’s project page to learn about community meetings on the project coming up this fall, ahead of the bikeway construction anticipated to start with repaving in Summer 2027.
VOLUNTEER WITH US FOR FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA
Friday, September 25, 2026 – 5-9pm at 1000 Oak Street, Oakland
Join our Bike East Bay staff at this free, outdoor block party on 10th Street next to the Oakland Museum of California, where we will be tabling to talk with folks about our Lake Merritt Loop campaign for a cycletrack all the way around the lake, and our East Bay Greenway campaign for a protected bikeway from Lake Merritt BART all the way south to Fremont!
No knowledge or experience with these campaigns is necessary. We’ll provide all the materials and information, your job will be to greet event attendees and help get more people on our campaign lists.
There is one volunteer shift from 5-7pm, and a second shift from 7-9pm. Choose whichever is most convenient for you.
JOIN OUR FINAL LAKE LOOP BIKE RIDE OF 2026
“Slowkland” ride with Bike East Bay – Tuesday, September 28, 2026 – Meet 5:30pm at Lake Merritt BART (Oak Street and 9th Street)
This is the final event in our Lake Merritt loop ride series for 2026, before we move into the rainier and darker months. We will check out ongoing construction progress for several bikeway projects around and connecting to the lake, 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! RSVP here to let us know you’re joining the ride.
To receive Lake Merritt Loop updates directly by email, sign up for our campaign list at BikeEastBay.org/LML or click the button below.