Good news, but, isn’t parking in bike lanes already illegal?
This post from last year describes Alameda‘s enforcement approach to the persistent problem of parking in bike lanes. Basically, Alameda interprets Vehicle Code (CVC) 21211 — a law that many other cities in California apply to all bikeways — as applying only to Class I bikeways, like the Bay Trail. As a result, Parking Enforcement uses that code only in those limited situations—not for the Class II, III, and IV bikeways that make up most of Alameda‘s bicycle network, and where the overwhelming number of conflicts occur.
For those other bikeway classes, Alameda‘s Parking Enforcement relies on a patchwork of other violations—such as parking outside a marked space or parking too far from the curb—to cite vehicles blocking bike lanes. Staff also told us that officers note ”bike lane violation” on the citation for tracking purposes.
There are situations, however, where none of those violations apply, even though a vehicle is obstructing a bike lane and creating a hazard for people riding bicycles.
To address that gap in the City‘s enforcement toolbox, staff is proposing an amendment to the Alameda Municipal Code creating a clear local prohibition on parking in Class II, III, and IV bikeways. While we also hope state law will eventually be clarified so the ambiguity is resolved and cities like ours are comfortable using it, this ordinance gives Parking Enforcement a direct and consistent citation authority now.
The proposal is Item 7-D on the next City Council agenda.
We will be enthusiastically supporting this ordinance. If you’d like to comment, write to the City Council at CITYCOUNCIL-List@alamedaca.gov.