SF BART Adds Bike Lanes to Boost Station Access

BART's North Berkeley Station to receive bike lanes, lighting, and parking upgrades in 2026

BART Adds Bike Lanes at North Berkeley Station

BART's North Berkeley Station will get safer bike and pedestrian access starting in 2026, transit officials said. The improvements include new bike lanes, enhanced crosswalks, better lighting, and additional bicycle parking to make it easier for riders to reach the station without driving. Robert Powers, BART General Manager, said the changes represent the agency's commitment to making stations accessible regardless of how people arrive.

Part of Regional Sustainability Push

The project aligns with the Bay Area's broader push toward sustainable transportation and reduced vehicle emissions, according to the transit agency. BART's 2016 Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Plan established system-wide goals for improving first-mile and last-mile connections to stations. North Berkeley Station serves a community that values eco-friendly commuting, officials said. The improvements also support Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Plan Bay Area 2050, which emphasizes multimodal access to transit throughout the region.

Upgrades Include Wayfinding and Lighting

The station will receive upgraded wayfinding signage to help cyclists and pedestrians navigate to entrances more easily, officials said. Enhanced lighting will improve safety for people arriving at the station during early morning and evening hours. BART didn't disclose the total project cost or specify how many new bicycle parking spaces will be added. The work's funded through regional transportation grants and BART capital improvement funds, though officials haven't provided a breakdown of specific funding sources.

Construction Begins Next Year

Construction's expected to begin in 2026, officials confirmed, though a completion date hasn't been announced. Bevan Dufty, BART Board President, told reporters the upgrades will make it safer and more convenient for cyclists and pedestrians to access the station. The agency typically notifies riders several weeks before major construction projects, but officials haven't said when detailed construction schedules will be released.

Encouraging Sustainable Commuting

The improvements aim to encourage more Bay Area residents to combine cycling or walking with BART trips instead of driving to stations, officials said. Similar bicycle and pedestrian upgrades at transit stations in Washington and Portland have increased non-motorized access in those cities. Riders can check Moovit for real-time BART service information and trip planning that includes walking and cycling directions to stations.