Safe Routes to Acalanes
This article originally appeared in the Sustainable Lafayette newsletter written by Pam Palitz
Sustainable Lafayette board member Eric Law is spearheading the Safe Route to Acalanes High bicycle/pedestrian path for students who travel up Pleasant Hill Road from south of Highway 24.
On November 12, the City of Lafayette included this dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path project in its Active Transportation Program (ATP) application with California's Department of Transportation.
Lafayette Director of Engineering and Public Works Mike Moran estimates the project cost at approximately $2.8 million.
In a letter of support, Acalanes Union High School District Superintendent John Nickerson noted that a significant percentage of the 1,300 students enrolled at Acalanes High School regularly bike and walk to school. He wrote that this project, “will provide superior active transportation access and mobility while simultaneously enhancing safety for all users.”
The project list is not expected to be posted until the middle of February 2021.
The application was accompanied by many letters of support, including the Lafayette School District, Acalanes Union High School District, Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, Contra Costa Transit Authority, East Bay Regional Parks District, Bike East Bay, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, and many Lafayette residents.
Safe Route to Acalanes High's first fundraising campaign will begin in the coming weeks. The initial goal is $150,000, to be used for engineering and permit costs.
To learn more and to donate, visit saferouteto.org
