Letters: Walnut Creek bike path plan doesn't enhance safety

"In a recent meeting held behind closed doors, Contra Costa County and the city of Walnut Creek agreed to use over $6 million in funds from programs designed to promote highway safety and improvements to carve out a three-block-long bicycle path on Treat Boulevard. The affected area runs from North Main St. to Jones Road, a stretch that currently handles over 40,000 vehicles a day."

"A September Washington Post poll found that the majority of U.S. Jews do not support current Israeli policies. The JCRC's position of opposing a pro-human rights policy is not a mainstream position, and it is not aligned with Jewish values. The JCRC accused Israel's critics of antisemitism and expressed concern about Jewish safety. Associating Jews with the acts of a murderous regime makes Jews less safe. Jews are safer in a world that works for all, including Palestinians."

Contra Costa County and Walnut Creek will use over $6 million from highway safety and improvement programs to build a three-block bicycle path on Treat Boulevard between North Main Street and Jones Road, a corridor carrying over 40,000 vehicles daily. The proposed path duplicates the Canal Trail two blocks south and connects to the Iron Horse Trail, while city officials acknowledged cyclist risk and negative traffic impacts. The Jewish Community Relations Council opposed an Alameda County Ethical Investment Policy while supervisors passed it but delayed implementation. Polling indicates a majority of U.S. Jews do not support current Israeli policies, and advocates urge prompt policy implementation and broader safety for all, including Palestinians.

Read at The Mercury News