⚠️ URGENT: Original Safety Design Watered Down
After years of community input, the city has abandoned the proven 4-to-3 lane safety design without public process.
Restore the Original Alameda Road Diet Design
After overwhelming community support for a proven 4-to-3 lane safety improvement, DOTI changed the design in November 2025 without public process. We need the original design that will actually make Alameda safer.
Many neighbors cross Alameda by bike or on foot several times each day
What Happened to the Original Design?
After 10+ years of community engagement, DOTI abandoned the safer 4-to-3 lane design without public process
The Timeline
✓ Original 4-to-3 Lane Design
- ✓ Proven safety improvements (up to 50% crash reduction)
- ✓ Dedicated center turn lane
- ✓ Bus pull-outs for better traffic flow
- ✓ 5-foot buffer between sidewalk and traffic
- ✓ Pedestrian refuge medians at crosswalks
- ✓ Based on 10+ years of community input
✗ Altered 4-Lane Configuration
- ✗ Buses stuck in traffic (no pull-out space)
- ✗ Same dangerous sightline problems for left turns
- ✗ T-bone crashes will still occur
- ✗ No pedestrian refuge in crosswalks
- ✗ No buffer from fast-moving traffic
- ✗ Costs extra $100k during a budget crisis
Why We Started: Real Crashes, Real Danger
Cars crash into homes regularly. Multiple students have been hit. These aren't just statistics - they're our neighbors and children.
The Facts Are Clear
Alameda's vehicle per day (VPD) count of approximately 14,000 vehicles is well below the Federal Highway Administration's recommended maximum of 25,000 VPD for a 4-to-3 lane conversion.
This stretch of Alameda is a perfect candidate for a road diet. The watered-down 4-lane design abandons proven safety improvements that our community has been asking for over a decade.
Why the 3-Lane Design Is Safer & More Efficient
A 4-to-3 lane conversion improves both traffic flow and safety. Operations improve because left turns are shifted into the center turn lane, allowing through traffic to flow freely.
Pedestrian Safety
Protected crossings, pedestrian islands, and reduced crossing distances significantly improve safety for people walking, especially children and elderly residents.
Traffic Flow Improvements
Dedicated turn lanes prevent turning vehicles from blocking through traffic, actually improving overall traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Neighborhood Protection
Strategic bollards and turn restrictions prevent dangerous cut-through traffic in residential areas, making neighborhoods safer for families.
Environmental Benefits
Encouraging walking and transit use reduces emissions and improves air quality for our community.
Business Support
Slower, safer streets with better pedestrian access actually increase foot traffic and support local businesses.
Data-Driven Design
This project is based on extensive traffic studies, safety analysis, and proven urban planning principles used successfully in cities worldwide.
Safety Facts & Evidence
Median refuge islands improve pedestrian safety. Learn more about these safety features at DRCOG's Alameda Avenue Study.
Addressing Common Concerns
Traffic Congestion
Studies show that road diets (lane reductions) often have minimal impact on travel times while significantly improving safety. The addition of dedicated turn lanes actually improves traffic flow by preventing turning vehicles from blocking through traffic.
Cut-Through Traffic
Strategic bollards and turn restrictions are specifically designed to prevent dangerous cut-through traffic. The project protects residential streets rather than encouraging more traffic on them.
Business Impact
Research consistently shows that walkable streets with slower traffic actually increase business revenue. Customers who walk spend more time and money locally than those who drive through quickly.
Emergency Access
The design maintains emergency vehicle access while improving response times through reduced congestion and clearer traffic patterns.
See How Lane Reductions Work
This video explains how 4-to-3 lane conversions improve safety while maintaining traffic flow.
Community Support
Neighbors show up to support the Alameda Lane Reduction project at a 2024 public meeting at Lincoln Elementary. The overwhelming majority of community members expressed support for the safety improvements.
Take Action Now
The city needs to hear from you. Sign the petition to restore the original 4-to-3 lane safety design that will actually protect our community.