At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, members of the BPAC Police Relations Committee led a discussion to propose community rides and walks with the Oakland Police Department.
Overview
The BPAC Police Relations Committee is proposing that BPAC implement community rides with members of the bicycling community and the Oakland Police Department (OPD).
We want to bring down barriers to understanding that keep us from participating as bicyclists and pedestrians free of intimidation and fear.
Bicyclists and pedestrians face day to day safety issues, especially from vehicles.
Address the dynamic of different perspectives, especially with regards to safety.
Address the implicit bias bicyclists and pedestrians of color face from the OPD.
Planning Our First Ride
We want to roll-out our first community ride with OPD during the Bike to Wherever Day Pedal Pools on May 21st.
The community rides will be coordinated with the full BPAC, the BPAC Police Relations Committee, OakDOT, OPD and the public. Members and staff of the Oakland City Council could also be included.
BPAC would use the BPAC Blog to advertise events to the public and local community organizations and their networks.
Other details would need to be developed, including ride leaders, routes, duration and protocols.
Next Steps
Proposal submitted to the full BPAC for consideration at the April BPAC meeting. We respectfully request a Motion to Approve the proposal and BPAC support.
The BPAC Police Relations Committee would meet and coordinate with OPD management during April/May as well as coordinate with BPAC leadership and local community organizations.
Report back at the May BPAC and invite OPD representatives to attend
Expanding group rides to include group walks.
While ambitious, again, it is hoped that the first community rides with the OPD happen on Bike to Wherever Day on May 21st.
At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, Chris Hwang, Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO) Board President, presented on Bike to W(herever) Day and ways to get involved. WOBO will produce a Bike To Wherever Day program at Lake Merritt on the afternoon of Friday, May 21, a national day for celebrating the bicycling commute. The 14-year old nonprofit is proud to produce a self-guided ride around the beautiful lake from 3pm to 6pm. They invite partners who are able to and interested in sharing resources that help Oaklanders experience the city by bicycle to email WOBO if they’d like to participate in programming the area along the walkway between the pergola and El Embarcadero Way, or to sponsor the event. Please stay tuned for additional details, and follow @walkoakbikeoak on social media for announcements and how to get involved.
Bike To W(herever) Day 2021
Friday, May 21, 2021 Lake Merritt Pergola 3pm – 6pm
Bike Bags
Bicycling / Micromobility Orgs
City & Community Resources
Climate Action Partners
Volunteer
Commissioner Rides with Councilmembers, Mayor, Elected Officials
At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, Julieth Ortiz, OakDOT Transportation Planner, presented an overview of existing Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 projects and a draft project list for fiscal year 2021-22. This year’s recommendation is to use funding for existing programs/projects, including the bicycle parking program, the stairs and path program, and Foothill pedestrian safety improvements. Input from the Commission regarding priorities is welcome.
Overview
Construction/engineering of a bicycle or pedestrian capital project
Maintenance of a multi-purpose path
Bicycle safety education program
Development of a comprehensive bicycle or pedestrian plans
At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, Julieth Ortiz and Yvonne Chan, OaktDOT Transportation Planners, provided an update of existing AHSC projects and an overview of the proposed projects OakDOT is currently considering for Cycle 6. The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC) is administered by the Strategic Growth Council and implemented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. AHSC is one of the CA Climate Investments programs whose goal is to integrate affordable homes and sustainable transportation.
Overview
AHSC is a State “Climate Investment” Program to fund affordable housing + sustainable transportation to direct investment towards the most disadvantaged communities in the state and maximize economic, environmental, and public health benefits.
14th Avenue is a major east-west corridor that connects International Boulevard with Highland Hospital and points north of I-580. 14th Avenue is currently a relatively high-speed, 4-lane divided roadway that is a barrier for people walking between residential neighborhoods to the north and south. 14th Ave is also an important, (relatively flat) connection for people biking and is a critical gap in the network between the Foothill Blvd and MacArthur Blvd bike lanes.
The City recently completed Phase 1 of this Project, which upgraded sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and landscaping between International Blvd. and E 19th Street.
The next phase of The 14th Avenue Streetscape project will deliver an important bicycle connection on 14th Avenue from Foothill to 27th Street/Highland Hospital. This project will form the foundation for a complete network connection north to MacArthur Blvd. This project will also make pedestrian crossing improvements and striping upgrades between E8th Street and International Blvd.
Project Schedule
Fall 2020 – Public noticing, outreach, and online survey
Summer 2021 – Complete design of roadway
Fall 2021 – Advertise project for construction
Mid-2021 – Begin construction (18 month duration)
The presentation [PDF] and notes from the presentation and discussion are below.
At the April 1st, 2021 BPAC Infrastructure Committee meeting, Cathy Chea (MTC) gave a presentation on the West Grand Avenue HOV/Bus lane extension Phase II project. The project is part of Bay Bridge Forward.
Phase 1 project opened January 2019 added 1300’ of bus/HOV-only lane
Phase 2 project proposes the following:
Bus/HOV lane westbound by converting existing shoulder from Frontage Road to Maritime Street
Multi-use 2-way path on south side of West Grand between Mandela and Maritime by extending existing sidewalk. It would be 8’ wide with a 2’ barrier.
Construction expected in 2nd half of 2021.
Notes from the presentation and discussion are below.
Oakland BPAC Blog 