How can we improve Oxford Street?

Reallocating Road Space

Key to the Oxford for All vision is a reprioritization of space to move away from an Oxford Street that privileges cars and towards one that provides adequate space to all who use it.

Near Center Street for example, approximately 60% of the road is dedicated to car-use alone even though the intersection serves very high volumes of pedestrian traffic. The three lane-types that serve vehicle right-of-way along Oxford Street are vehicle through-lanes, vehicles turning lanes, and parking/loading lanes along curbs. The central median running along much of the corridor also constrains space that could otherwise be used for wider sidewalks and bicycle facilities. The Oxford for All project reconsiders the prioritization of these types of lanes and the median for a street like Oxford, which serves so many other modes of transportation.

The following recommendations would help Oxford Street serve all road users.

For Pedestrians

Comfortable Crossings

Crossing Oxford Street can be challenging. Drivers travel at high speeds, particularly as vehicles pick up speed along the Kittredge curves. Drivers do not respect crosswalks, often forcing pedestrians out into the wider flow of traffic.

Crossings can be improved with pedestrian islands and curb extensions to shorten the crossing distance. At signalized intersections, longer crossing times can allow pedestrians to take their time.

Wider Sidewalks

The current sidewalks along Oxford Street are not wide enough. For groups of pedestrians and individuals using mobility assistance devices (like wheelchairs), it can be uncomfortable to walk, especially on the west side of the street.

Widening of the sidewalks could be achieved through the removal of the center median, travel lanes, parking lanes, or left turn lanes.

Shady and Calming Landscaping

The Oxford Street corridor lacks greenery and landscaping in many key areas.

Street trees provide shade and visually narrow the roadway, which encourages drivers to slow down. New street trees along the corridor and within the median (if it is retained) should be prioritized to increase sense of place, provide additional shade, and encourage lower vehicle speeds.

For Transit Riders

Accessible and Comfortable Stops

Several bus stops on the corridor have a single sign post and do not have a bus shelter or a bench. Amenities such as benches, shelters, and lighting are essential to compel Berkeley residents to take transit. Additionally, with AC Transit's Realignment project, it may be necessary to evaluate where bus stops are located.

Reliable and Efficient Service

A transit priority lane, often marked with red paint, allows buses to move outside of car traffic. Oxford Street can better serve transit with dedicated facilities like a northbound transit priority lane. A transit priority lane would serve the multiple routes that run north on Oxford and would maintain protected bike lanes and wider sidewalks.

For Cyclists and Scooters

Two-way Protected Cycletrack on East Side of Street

This proposal includes a two-way cycletrack along the eastern side of Oxford and widened sidewalks along the west side of Oxford. This proposal could combine well with a transit priority lane and it is more practical and space efficient, allowing for multiple riders to ride together and fill the lane space.

One-way Protected Bike Lanes on Both Sides of Street

This proposal shows two one-way bike lanes on either side of the street separated from vehicle traffic by a curb buffer, as well as a widened western sidewalk made possible by reducing the width of the underutilized eastern sidewalk in this section, the elimination of east-side parking in other areas, the removal of the left turn lane, and a shifted but still wide median. One key strength of this proposal is that it is more intuitive for cyclists to follow travel directions of cars, an issue the project team noticed when observing cyclist behavior on the two-way cycletrack currently on Bancroft, where it was often abandoned by cyclists altogether if they were making a right turn onto Oxford Street.

For Drivers and Car Riders

Safe Speeds

To improve safety for drivers and other road users on Oxford Street, vehicles must move at safe speeds. Slower speeds will ensure that when a crash happens, it is not fatal. The 25 mph speed limit can be encouraged through visually narrowing the path of travel with street trees and other pedestrian-scale amenities.

Adequate Parking

Curb management should be considerate of driver needs, including parking. On-street accessible parking spots should be a high priority. Parking spots should also be priced to encourage turnover, which increases the number of people that can visit the corridor.

To Create Character

In addition to mobility, Oxford for All emphasizes creating public spaces where people can gather and rest. These spaces are most successful when they reflect the needs and cultures of local stakeholders. To facilitate collaboration in the next steps of Oxford For All, the project team has developed the Placemaking/Placekeeping Toolkit.

Scroll through the sketches below to see some ideas to bring character and activity to Oxford Street.

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