Group names Alameda one of the country's most bicycle-friendly cities

"Due to its flat terrain, lack of freeways and mild climate, Alameda has long been known as a haven for bicyclists. However, merely possessing those natural elements isn't enough to be officially honored as one of the country's best places for cyclists. That takes grit and determination an effort that Alameda officials didn't shy away from, which has now paid off as the little island city that could was recently named a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the nationwide League of American Bicyclists."

"Alameda earned the prestigious award, a distinction held by only 32 cities across the country, by moving up the League's ladder. The city was first awarded bronze status in 2016 and then reached silver status in 2021. The pivotal steps Alameda took to get to the gold include approving the city's Active Transportation Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for future safety and mobility;"

"The water taxi provides free transport from the Island's West End to Oakland's Jack London Square, and bikes are welcome. More than 40% of Alameda students walk and bike to school, and we are committed to making sure they get there safely, says Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, who also says the city is committed to achieve this by expanding Neighborhood Greenways such as the Cross Alameda Trail so that anyone coming to the Island can travel safely."

Alameda attained gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community recognition from the League of American Bicyclists after progressing from bronze in 2016 and silver in 2021. Major initiatives included approving an Active Transportation Plan, advancing the Cross Alameda Trail toward completion, and launching the Oakland-Alameda Water Shuttle, Woodstock, which carries bikes free between Alameda's West End and Oakland's Jack London Square. More than 40% of Alameda students walk or bike to school. Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft committed to expanding Neighborhood Greenways for safer travel. The League recommended narrowing the gender gap among bike commuters, lowering residential speed limits to 20 mph, and restarting a bike-share effort.

Read at www.eastbaytimes.com