Board adopts 2019 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan for unincorporated Alameda County; adds East County representation to advisory body

Public Works staff recommended that the board adopt a negative declaration under CEQA and adopt the 2019 Alameda County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for the unincorporated area. The board approved both measures after a detailed discussion on priorities, community engagement and rural implementation.

Staff said the plan is a living policy document designed to help the county compete for Active Transportation Program and other grant funds and that each specific project will include additional community outreach. "The plan pushes for that kind of shift towards alternative means of transportation," a Public Works representative said, describing mode‑shift goals and safety priorities.

Supervisors asked how projects will be prioritized, how the county will accommodate East County rural roads and bike races, and how a new advisory group will operate. Supervisor Haggerty expressed concern about East County roads (e.g., Mines Road, Flynn Road) where car‑bike conflicts and narrow shoulders pose safety challenges and pushed to ensure East County matters are not sidelined.

In response staff said the Eden Area BPAC will be established to advise implementation and the board agreed to rename and expand the advisory body for Alameda County, adding two East County representatives. The board moved and seconded the item with the amendment; the plan and negative declaration were adopted 5‑0.

Outcome: adoption of the Plan and CEQA negative declaration and direction to create an Alameda County bike‑ped advisory committee with additional East County representatives; specific project implementation and funding remain subject to later project‑level review and community engagement.