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September 3, 2019
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has approved a new Transportation Expenditure Plan for the March 3, 2020 ballot. Major improvements to biking, walking, and transit have been a long time coming in Contra Costa County, and we’re ready to see the county step into the future by passing the measure on March 3.
Cities in Contra Costa County often tell Bike East Bay and our local leaders that the biggest reason visionary, exceptional bikeways can’t be made a reality is due to a lack of funding. The energy and excitement is there: Walnut Creek is looking to build its first permanent cycle track, Danville wants to build a safe bikeway to Mount Diablo, Pittsburg wants to fund a separated bike lane on Railroad Ave., Richmond seeks funding for Harbor Way, and so many more visionary projects are being championed by local leaders. But improvements for biking are often shelved or pushed even further into the future when funding isn’t secured. In this measure on the March 3, 2020 ballot, we won 10% of funds for bicycles and pedestrians—$350 million, and that’s just the start.
The measure, which would raise $3.5 billion over 35 years, is a groundbreaking step for improvements across the board in Contra Costa County. Here are some of the innovative policies included in the measure:
- Complete streets policies proposed by Bike East Bay, launching four $15 million innovative transit-bike projects by 2024.
- Evaluate projects and reduce total vehicle miles traveled, proposed by 350 Bay Area.
- Ensure low income residents benefit more than the average Contra Costa resident. Evaluates major projects based on their potential to displace current residents, championed by Transform and the Greenbelt Alliance.
In addition to the innovative policies outlined, what sets this measure apart is the increase in funding for public transit. Bike East Bay championed and won a 70% increase over what was originally proposed to fund transit service improvements.
Why push for more transit funding when we had already won 10% for bicycle riders and pedestrians? Because we know we have to improve transit on the same busy streets where you bicycle in order to reduce traffic and make way for protected bike lanes. Combining biking and transit for trips is a no-brainer, especially in a county where visionary, safe, and accessible bicycle improvements are not yet on the ground. We’re ready to push those projects forward. We hope you’ll join us on March 3 at the ballot box.
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