Solano for All
Friends of Solano Avenue is a volunteer group formed by Solano neighbors, business owners and community members. We want equitable, safe and common-sense designs for Solano Ave in Albany.
What’s Going On with Solano Ave in Albany
The Albany Active Transportation Plan (ATP) proposes a one-way, uphill, separated bicycle path on the south side of Solano Ave, from the BART tracks at Masonic Ave to the Berkeley border at Tulare Ave. We think this is bad idea.
We're not done by a long shot!
The Albany Transportation Plan (ATP) passed — and this project includes the bike lane.
But there's a long way to go before this 10-block, one-way bike lane (cycle track) gets built. That means months of work but the City of Albany on the project placement and funding, plus more stages where Albany City Council will need to give approval.
To be clear: we don't think bike proponents on the Council are trying to build something unsafe or that hurts our quality of life. However, we see the bike lane very differently than they do.
Thank you so much for showing up — for the letters and for speaking at the City Council meeting. Your voice matters, and we'll need it again after the elections in November.
🚦 Shrinking Solano Avenue raises safety concerns; in other cities narrowing the street has pushed traffic onto side streets and caused new challenges for pedestrians
🚒 We want more than the bare minimum street width required by the Albany Fire Department for fire trucks
🍲 Our restaurant and shopping district is a gem that enriches our lives and keeps us local when we go out; we don't want to undermine our Main Street
...and there's more below.
Why We Oppose the City’s Plan
Unsafe for all
Cyclists — National and state guidelines advise against separated bicycle tracks on streets like Solano Ave, where cyclists must cross several busy intersections. Cyclists are safer using the existing cycle paths only one block away on Washington and Marin avenues.
Pedestrians — Separated bike lanes are designed to be used only by cyclists, eliminating shared spaces and creating barriers for pedestrians, especially young children and seniors. The ATP plan calls for removing the bulb-outs that keep street crossings safer for walking on Solano Ave.
Community — The plan will constrict lane widths on Solano Ave, removing space needed for fire trucks and first responders. In case of wildfires or earthquakes, the plan will impede emergency evacuations that rely on the street.
Businesses — Solano is destination shopping district that relies on customers who live too far away to walk or cycle. Under the ATP plan, driving and parking will become more difficult, making it frustrating and dangerous for walkers, cyclists and drivers. Solano’s loyal customers may start shopping elsewhere.
Our Diverse Business Community — Over 50 percent of the Solano small business owners are women and minorities. Solano’s unique shops and restaurants makes it a special place to visit for customers from all over the Bay Area. Maintaining this diversity requires adequate and convenient parking.
There are better alternatives!
Marin Avenue runs parallel to Solano Ave, only one block to the south. It provides a safe east-west connecting route with freshly painted bike lanes and easy access to Solano.
Washington Ave runs parallel to Solano Ave, only one block to the north. It provides a quiet east-west connecting route with a painted bike lane and easy access to Solano.