Residents press Alameda County to add bike lanes as board advances Somerset Avenue sidewalk project

Alameda County supervisors on Feb. 4 moved forward with a Somerset Avenue sidewalk project that Public Works said reflects the community’s preference for sidewalks and retention of curbside parking, but the item drew sustained public comment from residents and bike advocates asking for bike lanes or further review.

More than half a dozen speakers urged the board to pause construction until designs can be revised to preserve or add bike lanes. Roy Taylor and other speakers told the board Somerset Avenue is a primary east–west arterial serving a high school, two middle schools and three elementary schools and that the current plan’s use of sharrows and wide sidewalks could preclude future bike lanes.

Public Works Director Daniel Valdez told the board the project began as a sidewalk safety project and that community outreach showed a strong preference for sidewalks and keeping parking in front of properties. Valdez said commute‑hour bike lanes could be implemented later by restriping or signage if the community and board decide to pursue that option.

Supervisor Meili and other supervisors acknowledged the project’s long history of discussion in advisory committees and the need to balance pedestrian safety, parking, and active transportation goals. Supervisor Fortunato Bass said she would engage further as a new member of the board and requested that advisory-committee feedback be channeled to the board for future projects.

The mass motion to advance multiple consent items, including the Somerset project, passed by roll call after public comment; staff said the project as proposed will proceed to authorization for construction but that restriping for commute‑hour bike lanes remains a less‑costly option that can be evaluated separately.