The concrete-island-protected bike lanes on Oakland's Telegraph corridor in the KONO district are all but completed. This controversial project was nearly cancelled on multiple occasions, but now, thanks to the tireless work and dedication of Bike East Bay and others, it's almost at the finish line. It's so impressive, with its wide islands to preserve sight-lines and attractive brick-work treatments, that Streetfilms and Streetsblog, as part of a week-long collaboration in July, paid a visit and put together an update so the rest of the country can have a look.
It's hosted by yours truly, Streetsblog San Francisco editor Roger Rudick. As Streetfilm's Clarence Eckerson put it on Twitter: "In NYC we have some #bikenyc lanes with jersey barriers. And we appreciate that. But look at the widths. The concrete. The SIZE! The visibility of riders. The imposing islands [on Telegraph] say 'Don’t even try to park here!'"
Not mentioned in the video: there's even more coming in the next few months, including a protected intersection at Grand, smoothing of the asphalt, and more paint to spruce it up even further.
For perspective, here's what the same bike lanes looked like two years ago:
So don't give up North Americans! Despite fervent push-back from car-brains, you can, eventually, get it done. Just keep up the pressure and don't compromise on safety.
If Bay Area readers aren't yet convinced that protected bike lanes can be great, even in a merchant corridor, come try them out. But first watch the video.
