Press Contact: Matthai Chakko, (510) 981-7008STRENGTHENING OF HEALTHY STREETS NETWORK
Changes limit vehicle traffic, further ease walking, biking in Berkeley
Berkeley, California (Monday, August 31, 2020) - We're adding "Do Not Enter" signs along certain intersections of our Healthy Streets network to further slow and limit car traffic to make it even easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to get exercise, sunshine and fresh air while physically distanced.
These "Healthy Streets," which have been in place since June, will continue to have signs at other intersections encouraging drivers to "consider other routes" with a suggested speed limit of 15 miles per hour.
In addition, the City has sent out over 1,000 postcards and volunteers from Walk Bike Berkeley have posted flyers along these routes to increase awareness.
These changes to the Healthy Streets network make walking and biking even easier along portions of the City's 16-mile network of calmed streets known as our Bike Boulevards. As the network expands to other existing and proposed Bike Boulevards, it will allow more Berkeleyans to get to essential jobs and services. In the process, these streets address core needs of this time: allowing people to safely get exercise near where they shelter in place.
Healthy Streets
Healthy Streets accommodate people already moving off of narrow sidewalks and using traffic lanes to walk, bike, or jog while maintaining a safe six foot distance from one another.
On these segments, we ask everyone to reduce their speeds, share the road, and be courteous to one another. Drivers need to watch carefully for people on foot or bike and use extra caution when passing. Pedestrians need to stay conscious of others using the road and move aside when cars need to pass. Parents need to closely supervise children in the street and stay aware of approaching traffic.
Everyone over age 2 using the streets should have a face covering readily available, and put it on anytime others are within 30 feet.
The three Healthy Streets segments are:
- 9th street from Hearst to Dwight
- Russell Street from Adeline to Mabel
- Addison Street from Sacramento to Grant
Healthy Streets will be marked with signs midblock reminding people to slow down, social distance, and cover their nose and mouth. Through vehicle traffic will be intermittently blocked by "Do Not Enter" signs and diverters.
Partnership with Walk Bike Berkeley
Given the strain COVID-19 has placed on City resources, the Healthy Streets program would not be possible without the support of community volunteers.
We are partnering with Walk Bike Berkeley to implement this program. The City will post barricades and signs at block entrances and Walk Bike Berkeley will coordinate volunteers to post additional midblock signs on designated streets.
If you want to help, fill out the Walk Bike Berkeley volunteer form.
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