Albany commission weighs options for regulating speed and behavior on Ohlone Greenway; residents call for better maintenance and clearer lane markings

The Transportation Commission discussed strategies to manage speeds and user conflicts on the city's multiuse trails, focusing primarily on the Ohlone Greenway. Staff summarized three broad approaches: signs and markings (including posted speed recommendations and dynamic speed feedback signs), public awareness and ambassador programs, and infrastructure changes such as minor speed-calming elements, rumble strips or widening.

Staff noted recent national and local studies suggesting e-bike speeds may not differ substantially from conventional bicycles, but said perception of speed remains a real concern for many users. The staff presentation outlined examples from other jurisdictions: 15 mph posted limits, split lane slow/fast treatments, speed-feedback signs and trail ambassador programs.

Public commenters urged practical maintenance and clearer lane markings. Amy Schulman said lane icons and pedestrian decomposed-granite (DG) paths have deteriorated and recommended re-stenciling, restoring the DG paths and widening pedestrian sections. "Most of the markings have been rubbed out because people are riding and walking on them, so it's not clear where users should be," she said. Carrie Shulman urged the commission to use existing separated side paths where possible and to consider design changes that make the separated lanes more direct and inviting.

Commissioners generally agreed that behavior and user comfort are central to the problem and that infrastructure and maintenance improvements should be prioritized. Several commissioners warned against rumble strips or textured surfacing where small-wheeled scooters and cargo bikes with children might be jolted; others recommended non-slip colored concrete in high-conflict mixing zones.

Short-term steps identified by staff and commissioners included re-stenciling shared-lane markings, refreshing striping, targeted signage with positive speed-range messaging (for example, "Walking: 0'5 mph; Bike: 5'15 mph; If you exceed 15, consider Masonic for faster travel"), targeted public education and occasional ambassador programs. Longer-term fixes cited by commenters and commissioners included strategic trail widening, creating parallel fast-commute routes on nearby streets, and more robust maintenance schedules for DG pedestrian paths.

Staff said collision and injury data can be reviewed and that their existing active transportation analysis includes a 10-year collision review; they will bring any Greenway-specific collision data to future meetings. No regulatory changes were adopted at this meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with a short menu of near-term maintenance and signage options for trial on the Ohlone Greenway and nearby multiuse paths.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to prioritize re-marking lanes, restoring DG pedestrian paths, and developing a pilot combining refreshed markings and positive feedback signage while preparing longer-term ATP options for separation or alternate routes for faster users.