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BikeAlameda Alert - Your support is needed for estuary crossing - Tues Feb 3 7:30pm
Please come to the city council meeting to show your support for further study of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the estuary on the west end.
We've been working for the last two years on our campaign to find effective, economical transportation alternatives across the estuary, between Alameda’s West End and Oakland, and help get them implemented. In 2008, the city conducted a feasibility study. The goal of the study was to recommend short, medium and long term solutions.
The long term solution in the recommendation is a moveable bike/pedestrian bridge with potential transit.
When the first phase is complete, a second phase could quickly get started. The city council will be reviewing the grant applications to work on the second phase. We want the city council to approve these grants and allow the funding to be requested. The monies being requested are from the state and county funding sources that can only be used for bicycle and pedestrian projects. No general funds would be used. If these grants are not approved, we will have to wait another two years to continue this project, that has waited long enough.A bike/ped bridge in this key spot absolutely merits further study, please show the city council your support.
If you can't come, then please:
Let me know that you called, sent a letter or that you are coming to the meeting. Thanks for getting involved and for your support!
lucy
For more information about the feasiblity study and the short, mid and long term options, visit www.BikeAlameda/advocacy/estuarycrossing/.Below is a sample letter
Council members:
As one of many Alameda residents who works in downtown Oakland, crossing the Alameda/Oakland estuary at least twice daily, I am writing to encourage you to support the efforts underway to find a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly alternative across the estuary. The Posey Tube represents a major barrier for bicyclists and pedestrians in this area, and it has been a huge problem for years. It is dirty, narrow, intimidating, unhealthy, loud, and there is not much that can realistically be done to improve it and encourage more walking or bike ridership. The only other current option -- the bus -- has limited capacity, limited access, and costs more than most bicyclists or pedestrians feel is appropriate to just cross the estuary. It's no surprise that even though this is a dense metropolitan area with destinations such transit hubs, colleges, waterfront destinations and business parks extremely close to each other, most people like myself choose to drive rather than bike or walk.
A bike/ped bridge will address all current bicyclist and pedestrian concerns, and will increase the number of bicyclists and pedestrians dramatically. I am so excited that such a solution is finally being studied, but worried to hear that the effort may be in jeopardy. I urge you to stay supportive and focused on this very important issue, which so deserves the attention it is finally getting.
As we face growing developments and populations on both sides of the estuary and accompanying congestion, as well as looming larger issues such as global warming, poor air quality, health and energy concerns, we should find ways to encourage alternative, greener modes of transportation. This particular area has been identified time and again in various plans and by diverse groups as a key concern and top priority warranting attention. Please keep this in mind when comparing competing transportation projects. Also please keep in mind how little attention, relatively speaking, this problem has received as compared to other projects in Alameda, despite its stature.
Another benefit of a bike/ped bridge would be the elimination of a gap in the Bay Trail system, allowing people to more easily enjoy our beautiful waterfront. Alameda's waterfront along the estuary is stunning and could one day be a Bay Area highlight.
A bike/ped bridge in this key spot absolutely merits further study. Please continue to support it. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfuly, #