2008-12-02 6-C Submittalbike
bike information
bike community
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(510) 595-4690 www. bikealameda. org
Alameda City Council December 1, 2008
City Hall
2263 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
Re: CentrallDak review of findings Item 6-c
Dear members of the city council,
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I am writing to express my concern over the finding of the modifications to Central and yak Street and their
impact on bicyclist safety. I feel that little to no assessment was made of bicycle movement.
A large part of the discussion at May's cauncil meeting was directed towards the impacts to bicycle safety. In the
transportation commission report of May 28 on page 2 of 3 it states "intersection data for all modes of
transportation for a weekday PM and weekend mid-day peak period far 90 days after the opening of the theatre."
However I have read the report and I see no measurements or enforcement that could assess the changes to
bicyclist safety.
There are no bike counts, no tickets or warnings given, no counts of number of vehicles Grassing into the bike
lane illegally, no interviews with bicyclists to even determine "perceived safety". How could this lack of data
turn into Finding 2 of "...no significant concerns...".
We would like to see specific data relating to bike counts and vehicles crossing into the bike lane this is
illegal}, which has become the biggest danger. With this information, we could then assess whether the open
crossing that was created from removing the parking around the bike lane needs to be fixed.
My second concern is that the findings lack an understanding of the needs of bicyclists and because of this the
city continue to spend money on solutions that don't fully meet the needs of cyclists. We have made the below
suggestions to city staff:.
1. We suggested a signage and marketing program for the bike e-lockers - a program that might cast
between $500-1500.
2. Install s-8 in-street bike racks for 10-15 bikes} west of the proposed bulb out on the theatre side. This
would not be in front of the main theatre entrance. In street bike racks keep the clutter of bike racks off
of the sidewalk, while directly meeting the needs of bicyclists. They also beneficially act as an
incentive for riding. This type of treatment costs might cost $5000. This was unanimously
recommended by the Transportation Commission.
I commend PW for looking outside the box with the bike oasis, hile I understand the departments desire to "put
thzngs where they might fit", we need to understand that we are trying to solve a problem and fulfill a need. Just
as a car parking garage might have fit better in another part of the downtown area where there was more space,
one was built, Instead where it was needed.
Sincerely,
Lucy Gigli
President, BikeAlameda
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PO Box 2132 Alameda, CA 94501
Re: Agenda Item #6-C
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