An inspiring turnout of support at the October 13 Planning Commission swayed several Commissioners concerned about traffic backups from road diets with new bikeways, and the Commission unanimously recommended approval of the draft Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Commissioner Theophilos had previously expressed concerned about traffic congestion, but commented “I’m dropping my objections to the road diets on Grand Avenue and Highland Avenue, due to the comments I have heard here tonight from residents who live on these streets and want a safer place to live—-safety of kids crossing the street is more important than a few seconds of delay for drivers.”
The Planning Commission-recommended Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and Draft of the CEQA document will be heard at the upcoming meeting of the City Council. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers in Piedmont City Hall (120 Vista Avenue)
Every speaker at the October 13 hearing spoke in favor of the Plan, buttrussing an impressive amount of public input in support of making Piedmont a better city for walking and bicycling. The Plan goes to City Council in November for final approval. Included in the Plan are ‘high priority’ bike projects such as the Grand Avenue and Highland Avenue road diets, as well as several intersection improvements to safer pedestrian crossings.
Draft Piedmont Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
To submit comments on the Draft Plan and draft CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration document to the Planning Commission, please either email your comments to City Planner Kate Black at kblack@ci.piedmont.ca.us or mail them to120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont,CA 94611.
The draft plan smartly recognizes that Piedmont is ready to become a much more bikeable city, already it’s the 4th most bikeable city in Alameda County. 56% of Piedmont residents have a bike and use it at least once a year. 23% bike regularly every week and 40% do so at least once a month. These people are ‘ready’ to consider bicycling for more trips. First, though, Piedmont needs to build a safe and inviting network of separated bike lanes and connected neighborhood streets for people to get around on by bike. This bike plan is a good start and we recommend its adoption. Come to the Planning Commission October 13 and to City Council in November, to make it happen.
“By changing the configuration of Grand Ave we will have improved:
Pedestrian Safety – Traffic would be slowed down, and pedestrians would only have to cross two lanes of traffic, instead of four. Improvements to the crosswalks across Grand are also proposed and should be supported in addition to the road diet. These changes are particularly important for our school children: Almost 2/3 of the students (ages 5 to 11) who go to Beach live east of Grand and must cross this terribly busy and dangerous street to reach school. In addition, middle and high school students who live west of Grand must cross it to walk up the hill. Slowing traffic down and making it safer to cross Grand Ave is critical to the safety of our children.
Home Value – Slowing down the excessive speed of traffic will enhance the value of houses along Grand Ave. It will also discourage the use of Grand as a gateway and getaway route for crime.
Bicyclist Safety – Currently, bicyclists must navigate most of Grand without the protection of bike lanes. Grand is a logical bike commute route to downtown Oakland and is already used by many bicyclists. Designated bike lanes also benefit motorists, by keeping bikes out of the car lanes.”
Margaret Ovenden, Piedmont resident