Complete Streets

The Complete Streets movement was originated with the goal of implementing street networks that are safe and accessible for all users, regardless or age, income, and ability. the Complete Streets movement supports active transportation, community development, local economy, and public health by encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation. In doing this, the movement goes beyond the implementation of physical changes on the street. It implies changes in planning, design, funding, and transportation choices. It creates a policy that ensures all projects will accommodate the diverse travel needs of every member of the community.

Both the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) required that local jurisdictions adopt a complete streets policy in order to receive local transportation sales tax funds, vehicle registration fee funding, and OneBayArea Grant funds, respectively. In the past, the City has received several grants that help fund the majority of the cost associated with transportation safety projects such as the Buchanan Marin Bikeway, the Update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, the Marin/Santa Fe and the Ocean View Pedestrian Safety Projects, and the Safe Routes to School Program in Albany. Therefore, receiving these funds is very important for the implementation of future safety projects that encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.

The City of Albany adopted a Complete Streets Resolution On January 22, 2013. Below, you can find the Resolution and relevant documents that support a Complete Streets Policy in the City.

• Complete Streets Policy Staff Report(PDF, 25KB)
• Complete Streets Slide Presentation(PDF, 976KB)
• Policy Analysis(PDF, 6MB)
• Policy Elements(PDF, 259KB)
• Policy Workbook(PDF, 5MB)
• Complete Streets Policy Resolution(PDF, 322KB)

San Pablo Avenue & Buchanan Street

The City obtained a Planning grant from Caltrans to develop a Complete Streets plan for Buchanan Street and San Pablo Avenue. This process began in the summer of 2012. "Complete Streets" are streets that are designed with users of all types and abilities in mind: Pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, seniors, children, people with disabilities, and motorists. The City of Albany, in partnership with the Local Government Commission, and a multi-disciplinary team led by Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates hosted several community design workshops to explore ways to make it easier and safer to walk, bike, ride the bus, and drive along San Pablo Avenue and Buchanan Street. Renowned walkable communities expert Dan Burden led these public events.

This led to the Complete Streets Draft Report(PDF, 19MB). This project led to the San Pablo Pedestrian Improvements project (CIP 24010) focused on San Pablo crossing improvements; a design for bicycle and pedestrian crossing improvements at Washington Avenue that are in development as part of an Alameda CTC San Pablo Avenue Corridor Safety Enhancement project; and development of conceptual designs for Buchanan intersection improvements.

In addition to the Caltrans grant, Measure B funds were used for this project. Measure B is a ½ cent transportation sales tax administered by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) to help implement essential transportation improvements and services in Alameda County.

 

Complete Streets and Corridor Revitalization Study for Solano Avenue

The City finished a complete streets study for Solano Avenue from Masonic Avenue to Tulare Avenue in 2019. The study was accepted by City Council with direction to revisit cycling facilities on Solano Avenue as part of an update to the Active Transportation Plan.

This study was made possible with the support of a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant received by the City in partnership with the Local Government Commission.

Solano Avenue Complete Streets Study(PDF, 8MB)

Solano Avenue Complete Streets Study Appendices(PDF, 5MB)