BerkeleyA Public Awareness Program for Multi-Modal Transit User Conflicts

Pro Walk / Pro Bike Conference 2004

Studio L’Image, Berkeley CASue Labouvie and Max Heim, Principals

Stanford University Parking & Transportation Services Carolyn Helmke, Bicycle Program Coordinator

City of Berkeley Office of TransportationHeath Maddox, Transportation Planner

Project Context

Riding bikes on sidewalks is illegal

in Berkeley.

Project Context

Pedestrian advocates were complaining

about bikes on sidewalks as a danger to

pedestrians, particularly elderly and

people with disabilities.

Project Context

Police felt like they could not enforce the

law because ticket prices were steep

and the feeling was that most cyclists

did not know the law.

Project Context

Cyclists felt that just saying “No Bikes

on Sidewalks” communicated a

negative message, and that they

wanted to put a more positive message

in the public context.

Project Context

By talking to both cyclists and

pedestrians, the project team decided

that the dual message of “Walk Your

Bike on Sidewalks, Ride Your Bike on

Streets” was a more user-balanced and

effective message.

Project Context

A pilot program was installed on four

blocks in downtown Berkeley, comprised

of signage, posters, and sidewalk

pavement markings.

Project Goals

1. Develop a broad-based program that considers all user conflicts:

• cyclists and pedestrians

• cars and cyclists

• pedestrians and cars

Project Goals

2. Develop messages that help reinforce

proper behaviors for all user groups.

Project Goals

3. Ensure signs reference applicable city

codes and laws, at the request of

enforcement personnel.

Public Outreach

Public meetings were held to solicit

input from all user groups, including

law enforcement.

Design Concepts

Signage, poster and stencil concepts were

refined over a course of review meetings.

Final Design

Signage, poster and stencil concepts were

approved for production.

Pilot Program

Installed April 2004.

For more information…

http://www.cityofberkeley

.info/transportation/Bicycling/

BikesonSidewalks.htm

City of Berkeley Office of Transportation

510-981-7010

www.studiolimage.com