Bike East Bay

I recently had the pleasure of learning about Bike East Bay, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of “safe, fun, and accessible” bicycling in our communities. With the traffic issues that flow from real estate development, Bike East Bay plays an important role in local planning.

Bike East Bay employs a three-pronged approach. First, the organization advocates for an “extensive and seamless network of bike facilities … for people of all abilities and experience,” pushing for street design that integrates safe bicycle access, and working to increase funding for bicycle-friendly improvements and projects. Second, Bike East Bay works to educate and increase awareness for bicycling in the communities. Third, it strives to engage with all East Bay communities in the planning process and serves as a “hub” for identifying strategies to increase cycling.

In addition to its work in Alameda County, Bike East Bay has a number of campaigns currently pending in Contra Costa. Bike East Bay is partnering with local organizers in Richmond, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette to implement and integrate safe bike lanes, paths, and trails into street and traffic planning. Among the organization’s recent achievements are re-designs of Detroit Avenue in Concord, and California Boulevard, Mt. Diablo Boulevard, and Olympic Boulevard in Walnut Creek to include protected or buffered bike lanes. And, there is an effort to connect the Iron Horse Trail with the Lafayette-Moraga Trail with a two-way “cycle track.”

Bike East Bay provides many ways to get involved in creating bicycle-friendly communities. Visit bikeeastbay.org to learn how to donate, join, attend classes, or volunteer.