Kains & Adams Bikeway Pilot Project
Overview
The Kains and Adams Bikeway Pilot Project is intended to provide a safer north-south route parallel to San Pablo Avenue and improve cycling access to destinations along San Pablo Avenue.
Pilot Project Evaluation
The pilot evaluation was discussed at the May 20, 2024 City Council meeting. Council direction included future changes to Kains and Adams based upon the pilot project evaluation. This will include return of Kains and Adams to one-way streets for motor vehicle traffic and the installation of a bicycle lane in the opposite 'contraflow' direction to maintain a two-way cycling facility parallel to San Pablo Avenue.
Evaluation Report(PDF, 18MB)
Background
Bicycling on San Pablo Avenue is challenging as this major arterial is a bus and truck route with high traffic volumes and fast vehicular speeds. These conditions present a safety challenge for experienced cyclists and discourage less-experienced riders or school children from cycling.
To encourage cycling in Albany, the concept of installing alternative bikeways to San Pablo Avenue along Kains Avenue and Adams Street was recommended in the Albany Active Transportation (ATP) Plan in 2012. A feasibility study was conducted with Measure B funding from the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Measure B is the Alameda County half cent sales tax dedicated to transportation projects passed by Alameda County voters in 2000). The feasibility study and planning process led to the development of several alternatives. In 2017, the City Council asked that a two-way shared street / bicycle boulevard concept for Kains Avenue and Adams Street be brought back to Council as a pilot project. In 2019, the City Council directed staff to incorporate a one year pilot project in the Capital Improvement Plan and revised the Active Transportation Plan to reflect the approved design.
Design
The pilot design includes two-way vehicle and bicycle traffic permitted on both Kains and Adams, with motor vehicle entry restricted at the intersection to maintain the existing one-way direction for motor vehicle through traffic (Kains Avenue restricted entry to only the southbound direction and Adams Street restricted entry to only the northbound direction). Signage and traffic posts placed at the north end of each block of Adams Street and the south end of each block of Kains Avenue will notify drivers of the circulation. Additional striping includes crosswalks, lane edge lines to delineate the parking area, and sharrows.
New Vehicle Circulation
Parking
The California Vehicle Code requires vehicles to be parked with the right wheels to the curb on a two-way street. While the predominant vehicle traffic will continue to be in the existing one-way direction, the pilot project creates internal two-way streets on each block. After the project has been installed, the Albany Police Department will provide a warning period for a minimum of 30 days as drivers adjust to the new parking requirement. Following the warning period, vehicles parked in the wrong direction may be cited. We understand this change in parking may take time to get adjusted to, and will aim to focus on helping residents throughout the adjustment period.
Project milestones
