The City of Berkeley hopes to extend three important bicycle-pedestrian routes in the next 2-3 years, using about $4.5 million in state and federal grants:
The long-planned extension of the Bay Trail west along the south side of University Avenue to the Marina includes a launch pad for windsurfers near Hs Lordships Restaurant, but leaves out a controversial swath through Shorebird Park.
Emeryville’s Doyle Street Greenway will be linked to Berkeley’s 9th Street via the old railroad right-of-way.
The Santa Fe Right-of-Way between Delaware and the Ohlone Greenway between Cedar and Virginia will get a paved trail, and the right-of-way between University and Addison will be opened. This will create a long-distance bicycle-pedestrian connection from Bancroft (the south edge of Strawberry Creek Park) to the City of Richmond (where the trail also is being extended).
Thursday, October 22 Berkeley Path Wanderers, 10 a.m. Join BPWA co-founder Pat DeVito on a brisk tour of her favorite paths. Includes some steep uphills and brief rest stops. Walk starts promptly at 10 and last 2.5 hours, so avoid 2-hr. parking spots around the park. Meet at Berkeley Rose Garden – near sign on Euclid Ave. Info: 510-520-3876, keithskinner.public@gmail.com, www.berkeleypaths.org
Saturday, October 17; Berkeley Path Wanderers. 10 a.m. An insider’s look at this unusual neighborhood with steep steps and hills. Moderate pace. Allow ten minutes to park. Rain cancels. Meet at foot of Panoramic Pl. at the south end of the football stadium. Info: 510-520-3876, keithskinner.public@gmail.com, www.berkeleypaths.org
Wednesday, October 7. Berkeley Path Wanderers, 10 a.m. Recommended route: Susan Schwartz’s walk of the area. Meet In front of Live Oak Park Recreation Center – 1301 Shattuck Ave. Info: 510-520-3876, keithskinner.public@gmail.com, www.berkeleypaths.org.
Our keynote speaker will be Zara McDonald, the founder and director of the Felidae Conservation Fund, an organization dedicated to the protection of big cats and their habitats. Her talk will focus on wildcats in the Bay Area. A short business meeting, including the election of officer will precede the program, which is free and open to the public. Berkeley Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Info: www.berkeleypaths.org.
