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Transportation Commission recommends $35,000 for school bike safety with e‑bike component
Summary
The commission voted to recommend $35,000 be used for school bike‑safety training with e‑bike safety components and to encourage community workshops if funding allows; the motion passed by roll call.
At the close of its April 24 meeting the Albany City Transportation Commission voted to recommend that city council fund a school‑focused bike‑safety program with an emphasis on e‑bike safety and to support community workshops if additional funds are available.
Staff summarized options for programming funded by the city’s sugar‑sweetened beverage revenue: an in‑school program run by Cycles of Change (multi‑day middle‑school curriculum), or a community workshop model (Bike East Bay style) for adults and teens bringing their own electric devices. Staff noted in‑school Cycles of Change sessions are more comprehensive but costlier, and that e‑bike instruction would require either supplying vehicles (logistical complexity and storage needs) or focusing on device‑specific classroom instruction and on‑road handling without providing bikes.
After discussion commissioners expressed support for a school‑centered approach that also addresses e‑bike safety and sidewalk etiquette and leaves room for limited community workshops. The commission approved a motion directing staff to recommend to council a $35,000 allocation for school‑based bike safety training with e‑bike safety components, and to support community workshops (up to an additional $10,000) if funding allows or can be supplemented by external grants. The motion passed by roll call.
Votes at a glance - Motion to recommend use of funds for bike safety (school‑focused $35,000; community workshops up to $10,000 if available): approved by roll call (unanimous among present commissioners). - Consent calendar (earlier in the meeting): approved by roll call (6–0, one absence). - Meeting extensions: two motions to extend the meeting (first to 10:15, later to add up to 5 more minutes) were approved by roll call.
Ending: Staff said it will work with Cycles of Change, Bike East Bay and city recreation staff to scope curriculum and logistics, identify potential Alameda CTC co‑funding and return with details to council and the commission as the program is developed.
