Call to Action: International Boulevard!
Three opportunities to make yourself heard, and some good news at the end
Dear Neighbors,
International Boulevard is the most dangerous street in all of Oakland. As you can see below, International Blvd is in a class of its own for vehicle crashes, with the trend worsening since the opening of the bus-only lanes. Fully 25% of all deaths and injuries from traffic violence happen here. Our goal is to eliminate traffic deaths on International, and across Oakland. Urgent action is necessary, and our best opportunity is right now.
Last year, Oakland’s DOT and AC Transit agreed to install a “quick-build” safety project along the length of International Boulevard where the TEMPO runs in a bus-only lane. The plan is approved, and moving toward the contracting phase. Construction is likely in the first half of 2024. People on the street will see flex posts mounted in rows to separate the bus lane from the car lane, and similar posts at intersections to deter illegal left turns. Some additional paint in the roadway, and signage, make up the rest.
For over a year, Traffic Violence Rapid Response has consistently been advocating for all of these treatments, so we appreciate the work of everyone involved. However, speeding is the biggest issue. The most effective anti-speeding technique in this situation is speed cushions (explained here). AC Transit has concerns that speed cushions may cause slower travel time for buses. This issue is addressable with better design, and completely ignores the human cost of not acting to control speeding.
Our demand
Since CalTrans has signed off on the existing plans w/o speed cushions, we ask that the section of International not under CalTrans control (west of 45th Avenue) have speed cushions installed across all lanes. These can then be evaluated for installation on the rest of International Blvd as soon as possible. We also ask for greater lane separation, with bumps to discourage maneuvering at high speed: (Bus Lane Protection in LA)
Three opportunities to express your views about the dangers on International:
On November 30th at 6PM, in a public meeting, staff members from both organizations will present their response on these issues. This will be remote-only, on Zoom, with Spanish and Chinese interpretation. No Board or Council Members will be present, but you will hear a clear explanation of the project and have an opportunity to comment and/or ask questions. For folks just getting started, this could be a good way to hear the details directly from agency folks. And a good time to express your deep concern for the dangerous conditions on International, and that you want the most effective, most durable solution possible to reduce speeding.
VIRTUAL MEETING https://actransit.zoom.us/j/89321899092
On December 6th, at 10AM, there is an “Inter-Legislative Committee” meeting between the Oakland City Council and the AC Transit Board. Both staff will also present at this meeting and will answer questions from Committee members. Public comment will also be taken, with 2 minutes for each speaker.
HYBRID MEETING Oakland City Hall, City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland CA 94612 https://actransit.zoom.us/j/87011398495 US Mobile: (213) 338 8477 Webinar ID: 870 1139 84
On December 13th, at 5PM, the AC Transit Board is meeting. The agenda is not yet public, so we aren’t sure whether the International safety project is included, but public comment to the full board on any topic is available at the beginning of the meeting. We hope to challenge AC Transit’s reluctance over speed cushions. Please watch for follow-up communication about this meeting.
HYBRID MEETING 2nd Floor Board Room - 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland, California Zoom link https://actransit.zoom.us/j/98487175063 Phone (669) 900 6833 Webinar ID: 984 8717 5063
Finally, you can always email key decision-makers with the above request, along with your own personal concerns. The more individual your email, the more valuable it is. And just do what you can. Any step you take is valuable, and if you can’t there are always more things to work on!
Key decision-makers to email:
Fred Kelley, OakDOT Director (fkelley@oaklandca.gov)
Michael Hursh, AC Transit General Manager (michael.hursh@actransit.org)
The AC Transit Board of Directors (actboardmembers@actransit.org)
Sheng Thao, Mayor of Oakland (officeofthemayor@oaklandca.gov)
The four Oakland City Council Members whose districts include part of International Blvd: Nikki Fortunato Bas (nfbas@oaklandca.gov), Noel Gallo (ngallo@oaklandca.gov), Kevin Jenkins (kjenkins@oaklandca.gov), Treva Reid (treid@oaklandca.gov)
Now for some good news!
To quote the City of Oakland’s own website, “The City of Oakland’s Department of Transportation (OakDOT) will be constructing a two-way separated bike lane on Lakeshore Avenue from E 18th Street to El Embarcadero.” You read that right! “The two-way separated bike lanes will be located on the lake side of Lakeshore Avenue and separated from motor vehicle traffic by a physical barrier.”
Following the tragic death of little Maia Correia, the family and the community at large demanded that Lakeshore Avenue be made safe for families and people on bicycles. Today, OakDOT has announced their plans. You can read if for yourself right here (Lakeshore Ave Separated Bike Lanes). This is a victory for all of Oakland, as it will take another big step towards a safer Lake Merritt for all. We owe our deepest debt of gratitude to Maia’s family for stepping forward in their grief and advocating for the safety of others. Today, we salute them. And we thank the good people inside the City who stepped up to address this challenge.