Driving around Berkeley I came across some interesting changes in road design…a roundabout, not something you generally see in America. The roundabout and a number of residential streets that had been blocked with bollards appear to be part of a move towards traffic calming and re direction through residential areas. In addition wide cycle lanes or ‘bike boulevards’ had been added. The pictures below show the roundabout, bike boulevards and some interesting roadside planting. The individual planting of the roadside verges by residents is one of the things I like most about Berkeley.
I was recently speaking to a Berkeley resident who said that the traffic calming issue has been an ongoing subject there for some time. I then found this video which is realy informative and talks with City planners and residents about traffic calming measures that have been gradually implemented to make cycling safer and more attractive for residents. It is well worth looking at.
http://www.fluctu8.com/podcast-episode/berkeley-bike-boulevards-4786-36533.html
Bike Boulevard
Bike Boulevard sign
Berkeley street planting
Berkeley street planting
4th Street Berkeley, I love the stipa tenuissima planted behind the benches and random sculpture
