You can get involved in an exciting project to plan the future of Albany’s two biggest streets.
The City of Albany is undertaking a Complete Streets process to develop plans for improving San Pablo Ave. and Buchanan St. The process will identify ways that the streets could be changed to better accommodate alternative modes of travel, including walking, bicycling, and public transit, while still effectively serving drivers. The process will conclude sometime in 2013. Its result will be a set of plans that the City can use for future project ideas and grant applications. Much like the Active Transportation Plan, this does not mean a blueprint for immediate changes, but rather a guideline for future development.
Albany Strollers & Rollers is participating in the advisory group that is guiding the process. Other agencies involved include City staff and commissioners, Caltrans, AC Transit, and the local Chamber of Commerce.
All Albany residents and businesses will have a chance to participate too. In early December, there will be three community workshops with design activities. Everybody is invited. Come to one or all of the workshops — each will be different, because the design will evolve as time passes.
- Thursday, December 6, 7:00-9:00pm: Kickoff Community Meeting — discuss values and priorities for the project
- Saturday, December 8, 9:00am-2:00pm: Community Walk and Design Workshop — walk through the project area, then play with design ideas in small groups
- Wednesday, December 12, 7:00-8:30pm: Presentation of Plan Concepts — see the results of the work by the community and consultants
Location: Multipurpose Room, Ocean View Elementary School, 1000 Jackson Street
The City of Albany website has more information.
We need to have the bi lane continue down Marin Avenue onto Buchanan and link easily to the bike trail west of I-80. Many many more people would use their bicycles to go to Berkeley, Emeryville and get more cars off the streets if this could be completed. The way it ends at Cornell Street makes biking through this intersection impossible. As I live on Kains, I’m forced to go to the sidewalk, which negatively impacts pedestrians. Maybe you could utilize the blocked off alleyway by the old Kelley’s Bar as a public thoroughfare?
Yes, Melissa, you’re right. I also live on Kains (900 block.)
You may have seen that the City had the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Buchanan Street bikeway and path project:
http://albany.patch.com/articles/ground-breaking-ceremony-for-the-albany-bay-trail-connector-to-include-congresswoman-lee-and-assemblymember-skinner
The plans call for the Marin bike lanes to continue through San Pablo instead of disappearing. However, a serious question remains whether they will put a bike lane between the eastbound through lane and the planned right turn lane. If that explanation is confusing, see photos of examples I have posted here:
http://albany.patch.com/articles/column-serious-issue-with-plans-for-buchanan-marin-path-project-speak-out
Please come to one or both of the Community Input sessions! As a local resident and cyclist your input is crucial. please come and invite your friends and neighbors, cyclists & peds. Thanks.
Also, feel free to share the info on Facebook.
Here’s the video of the final presentation, as recorded by the good folks at KALB 33:
http://albanyca.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=975