Hayward promotes active transportation, releases updated draft of Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan for public comment
May is National Bike Month – and this year the City of Hayward is inviting community members to help shape the future of biking and walking in Hayward by providing input on the Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which is currently being updated. Initially adopted in 2007, the Master Plan sets goals and objectives for promoting walking and biking in Hayward, and for making the City’s streets, paths, and sidewalks friendlier and more accommodating to people who walk, bike, and access transit.
EPA data shows that despite reductions in car-related emissions experienced with the advancement of vehicle technology, the transportation sector continues to be the largest U.S. producer of greenhouse gases (followed closely by electricity). Passenger cars are the driving culprit behind these emission levels, accounting for 60 percent of nation-wide transportation emissions. Public buses, BART, and even ride- and car-sharing services can help reduce your personal carbon footprint, but the best way to whittle your transportation-related impact to near zero levels is by walking and biking whenever possible.
Since its inception in 2007, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan has guided the installation of more than 80 miles of bikeways in Hayward—including seven miles of multi-use trails, 40 miles of on-street bike lanes and 34 miles of shared-lane bicycle routes—plus numerous sidewalk, curb-ramp, and general intersection and lighting improvements. The updated Master Plan will set forth new goals and objectives to provide a universally accessible, safe, convenient, and integrated transportation system that further promotes walking and biking in Hayward for all types of trip purposes like getting to school, the grocery store, or visiting downtown.
Over the last two years, community feedback on the Master Plan was sought online and in-person to guide the development of the updated draft. The updated draft has since been developed, and community input is being sought one last time to make sure the Master Plan reflects the needs of all Hayward residents, businesses, and visitors.
For more information and to view the draft Master Plan, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/content/bike-and-pedestrian-master-plan-update. Community members are encouraged to email questions, comments, and letters of support by June 30 to bikewalk@hayward-ca.gov.
