BikeAlameda recently conducted counts of bicyclists and pedestrians traveling between Alameda and Oakland. The numbers suggest that an alternative estuary crossing on Alameda’s West End would enable substantially more people to bike or walk, reducing automobile traffic through the tube.
While 95 bicyclists and pedestrians used the Posey Tube to cross the estuary, five times as many used the Park Street Bridge. It is not surprising that the Posey Tube count is lower. Although there are many destinations close to the Posey Tube, such as BART’s City Center Station and Amtrak, a ride or walk through the tube exposes one to toxic exhaust and excessive noise. Additionally, the walkway, which must support traffic going in both directions, is too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs, bike trailers, or two passing bikes. The high number of trips over the Park Street Bridge underscores the demand for alternatives to biking or walking through the Posey Tube.
The City of Alameda Public Works Department, under the direction of Matt Naclerio, will be initiating a feasibility study in 2007 to evaluate the short and long term options for crossing the estuary. Among the many options is a water shuttle. As part of its Alameda Landing project, Prologis/Catellus will be operating a water shuttle on a one year pilot basis. “We are very excited about expanding the range of transportation solutions in the West End,” said Bruce Knopf, VP of Development for Prologis/Catellus.
In reviewing the progress BikeAlameda has made in creating awareness of the problems associated with the Posey Tube, President Lucy Gigli said, “We’re excited to see that the City of Alameda and Prologis/Catellus share Bike Alameda’s vision for a more pleasant way to cross the estuary.” BikeAlameda is a non-profit bicycle advocacy group whose mission is to increase bicycle use in and around Alameda.
For additional information, please contact:
Lucy Gigli, President, BikeAlameda
lucy@bikealameda.org
Matt Naclerio, City of Alameda Public Works Department
510-749-5890
Bruce Knopf, Vice President Catellus Development Group, a Prologis
Companyposted: Tue, 05 Dec 2006