East Bay Bicycle Coalition Plays Major Role in Improving Cycling Conditions

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

The East Bay Bicycle Coalition (EBBC) has been promoting cycling "as an everyday means of transportation and recreation" since its founding in 1972. Local riders have several safe and pleasant routes to traverse thanks, at least in part, to the efforts of the East Bay nonprofit. Just last November, the opening of the Alamo Canal Trail connector presented pedestrians and cyclists with a second option to cross the freeway in a below-grade corridor free of motorized vehicles. The route, to the west of the Iron Horse Trail crossing, dips under I-580 below the Dublin Library and emerges along Johnson Drive in Pleasanton.

Spanning Alameda and Contra Costa counties, EBBC works with 33 cities, Caltrans, and other government agencies to "improve conditions for cyclists." According to Advocacy Director Dave Campbell, in addition to backing the Alamo connector the group is campaigning for other local projects to help cyclists commute to work and get around in the Tri-Valley.

One priority is securing striped bike lanes on Dublin Blvd., along the stretch from San Ramon Road east to Dougherty Road. "The City of Dublin is currently updating its bike master plan, trying to figure out how to make Dublin Blvd. more bike friendly," Campbell explains. "We are advocating for bikeways to connect to the west Dublin BART station, which would be of great benefit."

Also in the works is a new route between Pleasanton and Livermore. EBBC is leading the push to get modern bikeways striped on Stoneridge Road out to Jack London Boulevard, which is now complete to the Paragon Outlet Mall. "Once those connections are made, cyclists will be able to ride from Pleasanton to Las Positas College and the growing North Livermore area without having to go down Stanley Boulevard," Campbell observes.

In addition to advocating in the public arena, EBBC promotes improved cycling conditions through rider education and events like the annual Bike to Work Day.

"How to ride on public roadways is typically not taught in American education, so many cyclists never learn how to share the road - how to be visible, predictable, and ride with confidence," he comments. At lunchtime on Wednesday, May 1, EBBC Education Coordinator Robert Prinz will lead a free, one-hour bike safety workshop for park employees and residents at the Hacienda Owner's Association office at 4473 Willow Road. Covering the basics of bike commuting, the class is appropriate for any experience level. As a classroom-only session, no bike is required.

The workshop is well timed for the annual Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 9. "A lot of people who commute by bike on a regular basis have started this way. It's even safer when more people ride," Campbell points out. Hacienda will be a sponsor of one of the many Tri-Valley Energizer Stations that dispense coffee, snacks, and encouragement to riders on their routes. Local dignitaries will also take to their bikes "to set an example for everyone else."

For more information on Bike to Work Day, bike lane updates, and other news, visit www.ebbc.org. Select the "Ride Safely" poster to register for the safety workshop.

Photo: (Photo Courtesy of East Bay Regional Park District - top.) (Photo Courtesy of East Bay Bicycle Coalition - bottom.)

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