Excerpts from RideOn

Oakland Museum Sponsors Two Big Bike Events

Mark your calendars now and plan to pedal to the special bicyclists' opening of AMAZING BIKES: 2 CENTURIES ON 2 WHEELS on Sunday, September 12, followed by the OAKLAND MUSEUM CRITERIUM on Saturday, September 25. All clubs and bicyclists are invited to attend and riders will get free admission. Free valet bicycle parking will be provided by the East Bay Bicycle Coalition at both events

Join a pedal pool to the special opening the Amazing Bikes exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., on Sunday, September 12, 1999 from noon to 4:30 p.m. (note date change due to conflict with Rosh Hashanah). The Pryor Dodge collection, one of America's foremost collections of early bicycles, plus cycling art and memorabilia forms the basis of this superb exhibit. You can also expect to view work bikes, Kinetic Sculpture Race vehicles, and California innovations from BMX and Breezers to the Gold Rush recumbent, which broke the 65-mph human-powered record in 1986. The display will also address the influence of bicycling on women's apparel.

With admiration for Lance Armstrong and Tour de France fever still in the air, the City of Oakland will be the site of exciting bike races sponsored by the Oakland Museum of California. This event, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Museum, will take place on Saturday, September 25, 1999. The start/finish line will be at the Museum on 10th Street, with the route of the 1.1-mile, flat, 4 left-turn loop being Fallon, 7th, 5th Avenue and 10th. Velo Promo (Robert Leibold) is the promoter of the event.

Two races are scheduled -- Master 35+/45+ at 8:30 a.m., 40 minutes in length, and Senior 1/2/3 at 9:20, 30 miles long. The unique aspects of this race is that Primes (a prize to the first person crossing the line for a specified, pre-announced lap, i.e. a bell is rung) will be awarded to the winner of every other lap, promising excitement and high energy output by the racers. Cash prizes to the top finishers will be presented in a podium celebration after the race

After the race everyone is invited to join in a Family Fun Ride to parade the race course on decorated bikes. Artists will be available during the morning to help with the decorations, but everyone is welcome to exhibit their own wacky artistic talent.

We will appeal to local businesses, merchants, bike shops and bike clubs to underwrite the Prime and Race prizes. The more money we can raise, the more attractive the (cash) prizes become.

For more information check out the Museum website at www.museumca.organd the handsome Summer 1999 issue of The Museum of California magazine featuring the upcoming exhibit. For race information call Velo Promo at 209-533-4996, or the race organizer Alex Zuckermann REBACazu@earthlink.net at 510-452-1221.

Contra Costa Boulevard Route Between Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill

The freeway widening project completed as a part of Caltrans I-680/SR-24 rebuild project in the fall of 1998 has severed bicycle travel along Contra Costa Blvd. While Caltrans included ample room on the fly-over structure that connects the surface street to the northbound freeway off ramp, the barrier wall on Contra Costa Blvd. is only 33-inches in height. Caltrans has decided that a fence must be installed for cyclists safety before bicycles are allowed on the structure.

REBAC is trying to convince Caltrans to expedite the installation of a fence, inasmuch as Caltrans stated that it would take them 18 months to correct this problem, given the normal course of events.

As a part of REBACs efforts to get a full-time bicycle/pedestrian coordinator's office established in Caltrans District 4 office serving the Bay Area, EBBC photographed the detour signs on North Main Street which were placed by Caltrans to route cyclists away from the deficient fly-over structure. What was also found were some very confusing directions As a result of the City of Pleasant Hill's traffic calming Cyclists are directed towards two roads that don't go through as attempts of rerouting freeway-bound traffic (and bicyles) out of local neighborhoods.

It is obvious that Caltrans did not coordinate any of the (temporary) bicycle detour routes with the City of Pleasant Hill when placing signs on North Main Street and Contra Costa Blvd. A written report documenting six of these inconsistencies has been forwarded to Caltrans District 4 by EBBC.

-John Ruzek

Short Reports

ALAMEDA COUNTY has contracted with Wilber Smith Associates (Michelle DeRobertis, 415/896-0670) to prepare a comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan for Alameda County. The plan, funded by a State TDA Article 3 grant of over $100,000, will not be limited to the unincorporated areas, but will identify priority connecting routes through each city. As part of the planning process we wish to form a Bicycle Advisory Committee with one representative each from the North, Central, South, and East portions of the county. For information about serving on the BAC contact the Alameda Co Congestion Management Authority at 510-836-2560.

ALAMEDA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY has adopted a draft expenditure plan which includes 5% for non-motorized transportation. Over a 20-year period, 5% represents about $67 million. The EBBC has led the fight for a solid 5% non-motorized figure and continues to meet with ACTA to "fine tune" an implementation strategy. We emphasize the need to develop plans and provide countywide bicycle/pedestrian coordination before allocating money for capitol projects on a geographically equitable basis. With Measure B set to expire in 2002, the new 20-year reauthorization plan will go before the voters in 2000.

CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY has embarked on an accelerated expenditure plan development process for reauthorization of the Measure C transportation sales tax. The existing tax provides under 1% for non-motorized projects. The proposed reauthorization would appear on the ballots in 2000 and extend the half-percent tax through 2029. EBBC representatives have urged that the measure "provide county residents and employees with transportation options." We have further recommended that the CCTA set-aside 5% of the funds for non-motorized transportation. Meetings are held at 8:30am every Thursday at the CCTA, 1340 Treat Blvd, Suite 150, Walnut Creek. To confirm meeting dates or request the "Discussion Papers" and meeting minutes call 925/256-4720.

ORINDA CONSTRUCTION The EBBC and the CoCoCo Bicycle Facilities Coordinator, Michael Jackson first reviewed and approved City of Orinda plans for the "Moraga Way Bicycle Circulation Improvements" in May of this year. According to Mark Lowry, Orinda Transportation Engineer, the rough surface problem was a result of "overly aggressive grinding" to remove the existing stripes. They regret the problem and have begun a slurry seal top coating to remedy the problem. The project limits on Moraga Way are between Overhill Rd and Ivy Dr. It consists of restriping the Class II bike lanes in both directions to provide more room for bicyclists. The reconfiguration will typically add one-foot to each bike lane and leave an 11-ft (min) motor travel lane.

The EBBC is also working on two additional problems in Orinda: efforts to minimize the disruption caused by the Central Sanitary Districts sewer line project on Moraga Way; and the hazardous conditions for bicyclists created by installation of a dual free right-turn onto SR-24 from Camino Pablo. We have met with Fehr and Peers Associates to discuss options for Camino Pablo.

PORT OF OAKLAND received approval from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission to construct new berths and build a Harbor Transportation Center. As conditions of the permit the port will create the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, including new bikeway access to the along 7th St and Middle Harbor Rd. The EBBC had criticized the plan for lacking connections to either the Jack London Square area or downtown Oakland. In response, the BCDC included conditions in the permit that required connections in the vicinity of Adeline St as well as eventual improvements to the 7th St railroad underpass.

CONCORD NAVEL WEAPONS STATION is slated for closure. Although the eventual plans for reuse of the base may take years to develop, the Port Chicago Hwy could be reopened immediately. This convenient and level route between North Concord and Pittsburg was closed to discourage weapons protests soon after we published our East of the Hills Bicycle Transportation Map in 1994. The steep alternative of climbing a Class I path next to SR 4 is unacceptable to most residents. We are gathering information to prepare a proposal for reopening. Please call 510/530-3344 if you have any information that will help our cause.

BERKELEY I-80 BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE funding approved by the California Transportation Commission. The CTC voted in August to release $3 million in federal and state transportation enhancements grant monies for the connection between Aquatic Park and the Berkeley Waterfront. Currently bicyclists must lug their bikes up a steep stairway on the University overcrossing. The project originated as part of the mitigation for the I-80 HOV flyover in the early 1990s. The EBBC succeeded in getting the Bay Conservation and Development Commission to include bicycle access across I-80 as a condition for the HOV permit. Construction is scheduled to begin in January.

SAN PABLO DAM & AMADOR is an extremely hazardous intersection for bicyclists. Videos taken by Michael Jackson show numerous bicyclists making an illegal "advance cross-over maneuver" against traffic to turn left onto Amador (the route to BART). At the the Solano Avenue Stroll on September 12, you can chat with local residents Dr. Shirley Addis and Jane Abraham about the problem and sign a petition to urge San Pablo and the County to make necessary changes.

US POST OFFICES are all posted the signs that prohibit "loitering, bicycles and dogs." During a recent meeting with Congressional Representative (9th District, Oakland), the EBBC recommended the prohibition against bicycles represented a deterrent to one of the most convenient and frequent trips by bicycle. Her office is considering legislation that would remove the prohibition.

PLEASANT HILL ACKNOWLEDGES EBBC REQUESTS Last month, it was reported here that the City of Pleasant Hill has some with Bicycles Prohibited signs on a stretch of Paso Nogal between Golf Club Road and Norse Drive near DVC. On August 4, the EBBC wrote to the City of Pleasant Hill that such signs were contrary to the California Vehicle Code, Section 21200 which provides bicyclists the same rights to use public streets as motor vehicles.

Five short days later, on August 9, the City replied to EBBC. The traffic engineer wrote that their review of the files did not indicate the history of the bike prohibition, and that they will remove the Bike Prohibition sign within the city right-of-way and will request the county to remove a similar sign within their jurisdiction. We wish all such issues were so easy to resolve!

WALNUT CREEK BICYCLE PROHIBITIONS ON TREAT BLVD During the discussion of the Pleasant Hill bicycling restrictions issue on Paso Nogal over the EBBC online mailing list, one of our members pointed out two very similar, Bikes Use Sidewalk signs on Treat Blvd in Walnut Creek in the eastbound direction near the Concord City limit line.

EBBC immediately notified the City of Walnut Creek on August 13 that the California Vehicle Code only allows prohibition on bicycle riding on freeways and toll crossings and that since Treat Blvd is neither, the signs should be removed.

The EBBC has previously addressed this issue with the City of Walnut Creek in the 1980's when similar signs were placed on Ygnacio Valley Road. Those signs were replaced with Bikes May Use Sidewalks. We believe that the city had started to remove all such signs including those on Treat Blvd. One of the signs at Carriage Drive is actually obscured by the pedestrian crossing light assembly.

As this Short Report went to press, we are still waiting a reply from Walnut Creek.

Accolades for the Oakland Bicycle Diner's Club

Working our way through the alphabet, the next ride, on Friday September 17th will head from Frank Ogawa Plaza at 5:30pm towards the letter "E", for Eritrea (Telegraph, near 40th). Please join us for the next one!

Comments on the Caldecott Tunnel Corridor Study

The Discussion Paper dated December 1998 for the Caldecott Tunnel Corridor Study is available from the Doug Kimsey (510-464-7794) at the MTC. The following issues were not adequately addressed and need to be included in the study for it to be complete.

1) Alternative tunnel designs to permit bike and pedestrian access. The discussion paper focuses on bike lanes in conjunction with a possible fourth bore as the only `tunnel-oriented' bicycle access method. I would like that another variant also be considered - to design the tunnel so that that a separate `bicycle-pedestrian' level is created. While the design of the current bores do not permit sharing of the `attic' space with ventilation and other equipment, it might be possible for a new tunnel to be built in such a way that this is possible. This is the approach used in the award-winning (ASCE) Mt Baker Ridge tunnel that was constructed in the late 1980s in Seattle, Washington at the western end of Interstate 90.

2) Bicycle access in the peak direction via transit. Currently, during its hours of operation, BART provides adequate service for most bicyclists except for those who wish to travel westbound in the morning peak and eastbound in the afternoon peak. This poses a hardship on those who wish to travel from homes in Contra Costa to job or school locations in Oakland and Berkeley that are not imposed on other users of the corridor. Methods of alleviating this problem should be investigated. Some possibilities including, for example, shuttles (via BART or road) or secure bicycle storage at both ends should be examined.

3) Non-vehicular access in the absence of BART. BART does not operate 24 hours a day. Furthermore, it starts up rather late on Sunday mornings, not being fully operational until close to 9am. Furthermore, BART is subject to mechanical and personnel problems that have the potential for shutting it down for substantial periods of time. There needs to be plans in place for meeting the needs of non-motor vehicle drivers through the tunnel corridor for the times when BART is non-operational.

-Alan Forkosh

LETTERS

The following letter is from CalTrans to Ken Bukowski, Emeryville Vice Mayor. How many errors can you spot?

I have been requested to respond to your letter to Director Jose Medina, dated July 17, 1999, in which you expressed your concerns regarding access to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge by bicyclists and pedestrians.

CalTrans supports and is committed to safe and convenient public access across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. We are concerned about the use of the shoulder by bicyclists for safety reasons. This is a long span high speed bridge with high Average Annual Daily Traffic. It is not unusual to observe vehicles using the shoulder as a passing lane. This bridge is subject to high winds.

The shoulder is not currently designed to accommodate bicycles in that bicycles cannot safely pass over the existing expansion joints. A recent public access study sponsored by CalTrans highlighted these and other problems associated with opening the shoulders of this bridge to non-motorized traffic.

Almost daily, the shoulder is subject to disruption due to heavy upkeep required for this older steel bridge, and very shortly seismic retrofit construction will begin, lasting several years. CalTrans has committed to seek funding for indirect means of travel for bicyclists during the time period of the seismic retrofit.

Additionally, we are investigating sponsorship of a statewide study defining use and accident data for bicycles and pedestrians on freeways, including toll bridges. This study will specifically address identified institutional problems, including basic data collection needs in CalTrans, which were highlighted by the Safety Subcommittee report as part of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Public Access Feasibility Study (December 1998) referred to above. Results of this effort will be reviewed to determine if additional freeway access is feasible.

In regard to the bicyclists' planned ride on the bridge July 31, no encroachment permit application has been received, and unless the groups planning this event can meet requirements such as insurance and liability responsibilities, this would be deemed an illegal event.

CalTrans has an excellent record on the provision of public access on Bay Area bridges. Of the seven state-owned bridges, two currently provide access Dumbarton and Antioch); two have construction plans to provide access (Carquinez and Benicia Martinez); the Bay Bridge East Span will likely include a bicycle/pedestrian path pending outcome of environmental studies and funding issues, while the Bay Bridge West Span has legislative support for public access review; and the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge seismic retrofit project will fund a number of mitigation projects improving public access including Bay Trail connection between the San Mateo-Hayward and Dumbarton Bridges for direct access across the Bay. The action steps currently being undertaken on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge was described above.

If you desire additional information or have further questions, please call me at (510) 286- 5900 or you may call Carol Streeter, District Bicycle Coordinator, at (510) 286-5562.

Sincerely,
District Director
HARRY YAHATA