WE WANT KONO PROTECTED BIKE LANES
Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) is recommending removal of protected bike lanes on Telegraph from 20th Street to 29th Street in the KONO (Koreatown/Northgate) section of Oakland. In their place OakDOT proposes paint-only buffered bike lanes + "curb management."
WOBO advocates for protected bike lanes on the grounds of traffic safety, verified public and commercial support for the lanes and sound business practice:
- We want KONO to thrive! The current unfinished state of protected bike lanes has increased foot and bicycling traffic.
- Paint-only bike lanes won't bring more car parking spaces nor engender economic revitalization for businesses.
- Completing the project with raised concrete curbs will further support local businesses, improve sightlines to help drivers, cyclists and pedestrians detect each other, and make KONO more comfortable destination shopping district, and a less confusing place to drive.
- People prefer protected bike lanes by large majorities. Some businesses express a preference for protected bike lanes.
- Equity is considering the safety of the most impacted users of the roadway; including those who live, work, and arrive in KONO by bus, on foot and by pedal power. We don't see the connection between paint-only bike lanes and the equity analysis. Furthermore, needing to ticket and tow drivers who double-park seems less equitable overall.
- BPAC Commissioner and AC Transit staff and Board all agree the protected bikeway suits our most vulnerable road users.
- At the Public Works Committee, all four councilmembers agree that protected bikeways are safer than proposed paint-only option.
- Protected bike lanes can be implemented right away because the project is designed and construction bids have been received, whereas in-street buffered bike lanes would require a street redesign, costing the City Of Oakland more money and staff time, and would also require ongoing staff surveillance of Telegraph Avenue to prevent double parking and manage high-speeding auto traffic.
The issue goes before the full City Council on July 6.
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