4/28/20

East Bay cities are slowing streets and making space as shelter in place continues. Many Bike East Bay local partners are asking their cities to implement street changes, allowing for more physical distancing while enjoying neighborhood activity and making trips to essential services. With warmer weather upon us and regional parks getting crowded again, now is the time to make neighborhood exercise safe for everyone. Don’t see your city listed below? Tell us what would work in your neighborhood. 

Albany’s Transportation Commission has recommended to Council a set of recommendations from Commissioner Ken McCroskey, including providing additional walking/jogging space on Masonic along the Ohlone Greenway.

Alameda just announced a slow streets program, which includes soft closures to sections of Pacific Avenue and Versailles Avenue starting April 30. Get all the details, volunteer, and give your feedback. 

Berkeley is under heavy pressure from our local partners at Walk Bike Berkeley to traffic calm all of Berkeley’s bicycle boulevards, as Oakland is doing. Sign their petition.

Emeryville slowed Doyle Street last week, both with traffic calming and a full closure of the block at Doyle Hollis Park. The project is a rapid implementation of a previously approved traffic calming concept.

Fremont started a traffic speed public education campaign, encouraging drivers to slow down and go 20mph. It’s advisory, not mandatory, and you can request a lawn sign saying “20 is plenty.” Additionally, Fremont is adding 45 radar speed feedback signs around the city, alerting motorist to the speed limits and to watch for people walking and bicycling. It’s a start.

Piedmont considered a slow street program, but rejected it due to concerns of attracting people to such streets and creating a false sense of safety. Bike East Bay is working with our local members in Piedmont to change this.

Oakland Slow Streets program enters phase 3 this weekend, with 5 additional miles of neighborhood traffic calming and more volunteers needed. A list of new streets will be released this Friday. Here is the map of streets under consideration. If you live on one of the designated slow streets or have time to flyer, volunteer.