Share Your Suggestions for Berkeley Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Improvements

Berkeley residents can give input on a new comprehensive policy for bike lanes and pedestrian improvements by participating in the City of Berkeley’s online forum here.

“It’s important that residents participate in developing the policy, and that the use of bike lanes is promoted if we are to heavily invest in the creation of bike lanes,” said Eric Arens, who leads LWVBAE’s  Climate Change Team.

Among other changes, the proposed policy would require concurrent implementation of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian plans when streets are repaved; prioritize action on bikeways and “Vision Zero” high-fatality, high-collision streets within five years; encourage the use of quick builds by expediting quick-build projects under $1 million; and require staff to report progress back to City Council every two years.

“Things can be done, such as flashing lights at crosswalks. This is something where residents should express their opinions,” Arens said.

Learn more about the proposal here.

Berkeley SunShares Workshop on October 15

There will be a workshop on affordable solar energy systems on Tuesday, October 15 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM at the South Berkeley Senior Center (2939 Ellis Street). The workshop will be hosted by Bay Area SunShares, a program that reportedly makes going solar more convenient and affordable. The event will be co-hosted by the City of Berkeley along with the Ecology Center.

“The more workshops, the more education there is, the more people will go solar, “ said Arens.  “I’ve had solar for years and recently, I had neighbors over to discuss batteries.”

Switching to solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can provide financial benefits, including savings on utility bills that increase a home’s value. SunShares says that its solar prices are 15% below the average cost, and that participants may also qualify for federal tax credit.