Decision Day is May 18, 2016, one week after Bike to Work Day.
Please come to the final Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) meeting, which will vote on taking a new $2.8 billion Measure J plan to the polls to increase much-needed funding to give commuters options to get out of traffic.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 – 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Wiser heads prevailed at the CCTA after elected officials pulled the rug out from under our progress to increase funding for bike ped projects and compete streets in a new Measure J. Recognizing widespread support for active transportation projects, the CCTA Board accepted staff recommendation to give bike-ped projects some real funding. The latest version of Measure J includes $115 million for dedicated bike-ped projects and an increase to $290 million for Major Complete Street projects, which includes $58 million for four front-loaded pilot complete street projects that will highlight protected bike lanes, transit improvements, and smart parking management to reimagine how streets work.
The Plan also includes $300 million for BART and increased funding for bus services throughout the county, although not enough. Two important issues to be worked out are: 1) firming up a commitment to ‘no new freeways’ but rather making existing highway lanes move people more efficiently, and 2) strengthening Contra Costa’s Urban Limit Line. The CCTA has recongnized that they cannot build their way out of congestion, but will voters support a smarter way to move people?
We need a big turnout, one final time
Volunteers from Pinole to Pittsburg, San Ramon to San Pablo, Kensington to Concord, Walnut Creek to Brentwood, and cities in between have turned out at numerous public meetings over the past six months to ask for a significant increase in funding for bike ped projects in Contra Costa County. Elected officials have listened and acknowledged the need but only directed $107 million to projects that improve walking and bicycling. The goal is $320 million, or approximately 13.6% of funds. Our final big turnout in numbers is May 18.
Mark Your Calendars for May 18
Bike to Work Day bags and energizer stations throughout Contra Costa County will be armed with a call to action to come to the final meeting of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority on May 18, and impress upon elected officials from cities around Contra Costa County. This is our final big show of support, to remind decision-makers that there is a tremendous amount of work to do to make Contra Costa County bike-friendly. Key meetings are taking place April 14 in the morning and Bike East Bay volunteers will be there to push for more bike funds.
More on the Measure J Reauthorization Campaign
What are ‘Complete Streets’?
“Complete Streets” are streets that move people, not just cars. They are designed and function to provide safe access for all users, including people of all ages and abilities walking, bicycling, driving, and riding transit. And they are good for business, as it turns out that people spend money, not cars.
Bike Commute Mode Share in 3 Bay Area Counties
