The East Bay city is now one of 32 across the country that holds this distinction, Alameda officials said in a statement.
“More than 40% of Alameda students walk and bike to school, and we are committed to making sure they get there safely,” Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft said. “This includes building ‘complete streets’ and expanding Neighborhood Greenways to ensure that residents, workers, and visitors can travel safely to school, work, shopping, and dining across our beautiful island.”
To be awarded the gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, officials must take steps to improve their city’s infrastructure to support safe biking and walking. The League of American Bicyclists has a roadmap that cities can follow to improve conditions for bikers and pedestrians.
Alameda has been steadily climbing the ranks since 2016, when it was awarded the bronze-level. In 2021, it was awarded the silver-level distinction.
City officials say they have taken sufficient steps since 2021 to earn the gold-level award, including approving a new comprehensive roadmap for suture safety and mobility, launching the Oakland-Alameda Water Shuttle and nearly completing the Cross Alameda Trail.
“Biking protects our environment, keeps us healthy, and saves Alamedans money,” Assemblymember Mia Bonta, who represents cities such as Alameda and Oakland, said. “Alameda is a forward-thinking city, and we’re once again ahead of the pack.”
Alameda joins Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland and Menlo Park as the Bay Area’s gold-level biking communities. Chico, San Luis Obispo and Santa Monica have also reached gold-level status.
A platinum and diamond tier also exists for the Bicycle Friendly Community Award. Only Davis holds the platinum distinction, while no California city has reached the diamond tier.