Neighborhood Greenways, sometimes called bicycle boulevards, are streets designed to give priority to people walking and bicycling, and to allow bicyclists and motorists to safely share the road on low-volume, low-speed, local streets. Used in cities across the country, these comfortable, low-stress bikeways additionally improve walking safety and calm traffic.
Alameda does not have any Neighborhood Greenways today, but the Alameda Active Transportation Plan includes 10 miles of Greenways to be implemented by 2030, which are essential to creating a connected, low-stress bikeway network.
Treatments on Greenways are much more extensive than on bicycle routes, which only have painted shared lane markings and signage. They are also distinct from Slow Streets. The key Neighborhood Greenway goals are:
- Achieve and Maintain Low Vehicle Volumes and Speeds. Neighborhood Greenway streets are only considered low stress when the traffic volumes and speeds are low enough that people biking feel comfortable sharing the roadway space with cars. Reducing traffic speeds and volumes increases safety for all roadway users and improves neighborhood livability.
- Make Street Crossings Safer and More Comfortable. Neighborhood Greenways also include treatments to improve crossings, particularly at busy intersections, to make it easier and safer for people bicycling and walking to cross busy streets.