Albany Approves Solano Avenue Active Transportation Plan with Protected Bike Lane

Albany City Council has given the green light to its Active Transportation Plan (ATP), a significant move that will introduce a protected bike lane along a substantial stretch of Solano Avenue, the city’s primary merchant corridor. The plan was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Vice Mayor Hansen-Romero casting the sole dissenting vote.

Public support for the ATP, particularly the inclusion of a cycletrack on Solano Avenue, was evident during the council meeting. Advocates reported that public comments were nearly two-to-one in favour of the plan and the proposed bike lane. Four out of five council members voted to advance cycling facilities on Solano Avenue and to adopt the ATP with minor modifications.

The approved plan details the creation of a protected bike lane in the uphill direction for a half-mile segment, extending from Masonic to Tulare Avenue, which borders Berkeley. This development marks a notable step towards enhancing active transportation infrastructure in the city.

Advocacy and Public Testimony

The decision was influenced by compelling testimony from community members, including the family of four-year-old Maia Correia, who tragically died in Oakland in 2023 due to a lack of protected bike lanes. Maia’s aunt, Sheila McCracken, urged the Albany council to learn from Oakland’s experience, stating, “Protected bike lanes save lives, period.” Her family’s plea underscored the urgency of implementing safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

City Councilperson Robin López highlighted the importance of heeding such testimony, expressing dismay that some still prioritized the status quo over life-saving infrastructure. He acknowledged that while he would have preferred protected bike lanes on both sides of Solano Avenue, initial caution regarding emergency vehicle clearance was a factor.

Planners and advocates found solutions to accommodate emergency vehicles by reconfiguring parking. By changing the angle of parking to maximise efficiency, it became possible to incorporate one protected lane while maintaining necessary space for fire department access and preserving parking. Preston Jordan, an advocate and city councilperson, explained that this approach was about political feasibility, as proposals to remove parking often face strong opposition. López stated he was unwilling to sacrifice the opportunity for a ten-block cycletrack, believing its use would pave the way for future expansions.

López shared a personal connection to the need for safer cycling routes, recalling his past experiences biking to UC Berkeley via a greenway along BART. He noted that he never felt comfortable exploring Solano Avenue by bike due to the absence of dedicated lanes, and felt unsafe even walking due to fast-moving traffic. He hopes the new protected lane will foster a more welcoming and safe environment for all users, including those who do not rely on cars. He was particularly moved by young speakers who emphasized that for them, bikes are a primary mode of transportation.

Infrastructure Improvements

The project is expected to improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The plan includes reconfiguring and adding bulb-outs to shorten pedestrian crossing distances. The uphill cycletrack will be situated between car parking and the sidewalk on the south side, made possible by a more efficient use of parking space. Parking on the north side will be converted to parallel parking, which also enhances safety for downhill cyclists. On the south side, parking will transition from approximately 35 degrees to 60 degrees, similar to the existing configuration west of Masonic Avenue. The uphill cycletrack aims to separate cyclists from general traffic, reducing the need for motorists to slow down or manoeuvre around them.

Robert Prinz of Bike East Bay noted the broad support for Albany’s ATP update, with advocates from multiple Bay Area jurisdictions attending. He also pointed out that opposition to the Solano Avenue protected bikeway came from groups who had previously opposed similar projects in Berkeley. While Albany’s ATP does not cover the segment of Solano Avenue in Berkeley, advocates are hopeful that Berkeley will follow suit.

Timeline and Future Advocacy

The next steps involve finalising designs, with the hope of seeing the new bike lanes installed within approximately five years. However, Councilperson López cautioned that the timeline is contingent on future elections and the composition of the city council. Keeping proponents of active transportation in leadership positions will be crucial for the project’s progression.

Key facts

This initiative represents a significant shift in Albany’s approach to street design, prioritising active transportation and safety. The protected bike lane on Solano Avenue is expected to enhance the corridor’s accessibility and appeal for non-motorised users, contributing to a more liveable and sustainable urban environment. The plan’s focus on reconfiguring parking and incorporating pedestrian safety measures like bulb-outs demonstrates a comprehensive vision for the street.

Source: Streetsblog SF (https://sf.streetsblog.org/2026/07/07/albany-approves-plan-with-protected-bike-lane-on-solano-avenue)