Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:44:58

You asked, 511CC answers | 511 Contra Costa

Two weeks ago, we asked you to share your hottest transportation questions. Our trusty readers didn't hold back! Let's see what they said (and how we can help them find answers). Keep these questions coming, either in the comments below, Facebook, or Twitter. Is it possible to add a bike lane from Pinole to Martinez and back?

WestCAT - News and Information - Press Releases

For Immediate Release Posted 25 July 2011 Pinole, California, July 25, 2011 - WestCAT, in partnership with 511 Contra Costa plans to cruise right into Fall with a new promotion for local and express bus riders who are willing to park their cars and try their local public transit.

The City of Lafayette will ask voters in November to consider a new tax for roads. How many bike lanes it that? http://511cc.org/5I

— 511CC · Fri, Jul 29 2011 11:25:03

Jim McElroy, responsible for the Vallejo Transit and Benicia Breeze merger, is a long-time transit lover: http://511cc.org/5M

— 511CC · Thu, Jul 28 2011 14:35:02

Caldecott Activities Update | 511 Contra Costa

The excavation of the first of seven cross passages between bores four and three has begun. The cross passages will serve as a safety feature for motorists when the new tunnel opens to traffic. To see more pictures of the West Portal Crosspassages go to www.caldecott-tunnel.org.

Celebrate San Ramon’s new “BARK and Ride” | 511 Contra Costa

Two- and four-legged pedestrians: welcome! It's not often that commuters and dog-owners share good news, but San Ramon's "Bark and Ride" is working to change that. The new combination 50-space park and ride and 4.5 acre dog park is at the corner of Bollinger Canyon and Stoneleaf Road.

CCCTA Passengers Make a Difference In June | The County Connection

The numbers are finally in. In the month of June County Connection passengers spared the environment of 21,148 pounds of CO2 each weekday. This amount is calculated by multiplying our average weekday ridership for the month by 4 - our average passenger trip length - to determine total miles.

"California traffic deaths dropped last year for the fifth year in a row, outpacing national trends." More at: http://511cc.org/5y

— 511CC · Sat, Jul 23 2011 10:25:03

With 100k awaiting transplants, CA's DMV now requires drivers to give a "yes" or "no" on the organ donor question: http://511cc.org/5H

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 26 2011 16:25:02

Do you spend 92 hours a year stuck in traffic? You're BELOW the national average! http://511cc.org/5w

— 511CC · Sun, Jul 24 2011 13:55:03

Get ready for an all-electric car sharing service: Car2go | 511 Contra Costa

We've posted all about hourly rentals and carsharing with GetAround, RelayRides, ZipCar, and City CarShare, but get ready for a new all-electric car share program - Car2go. Car2go uses sleek, all-electric cars. Imagine trying to parallel park one of these cars - piece of cake!

Hm, more trees = cleaner air, even within cities. Go figure :) http://511cc.org/5G

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 26 2011 14:12:59

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:49:20

Taking I-680 any time soon? Look for new metering lights next week: http://511cc.org/5k

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 19 2011 14:40:03

Congrats to E. East, our lucky $50 Pledge winner for June. For details on our monthly contest, visit http://511cc.org/pledge

— 511CC · Fri, Jul 22 2011 09:15:03

Meet the East Bay Value Pass | 511 Contra Costa

Contra Costa County has three great bus services, but sometimes your day takes you beyond the service area of just one. If you live in the County Connection territory but need to get to Rodeo, served by WestCAT, you have to make a transfer.

From the Pinole Patch: I want to ride my bicycle! What's your great escape? http://511cc.org/5f

— 511CC · Mon, Jul 18 2011 13:25:04

Beemer, bimmer? BART, BMW subsidiary team up · sfbart.posterous.com

Why are bike-friendly cities safer? | 511 Contra Costa

Davis, California is the bike-friendly capital of California, if not the United States. Over 16 percent of people bike to work! Compare that to Richmond's 0.2%, or even Berkeley's 8.9%. Surprisingly, bike-friendly Davis, California has one tenth the traffic fatalities you would except for a city its size.

Sorry I'm Late

A stop motion short shot with a camera in the ceiling pointing straight down at a guy lying on the floor. For more info and making of-stuff visit http://www.sorry-im-late.comUn s

Bedtime | 511 Contra Costa

Bedtime Read Why Don’t Hydrogen Cars Fly Away? at bedtime. » Read the book

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 00:55:33

Take a walk with the Mayor of Oakley | 511 Contra Costa

Hey residents of Oakley! Want a chance to explore the beautiful Marsh Creek Trail, and have some one-on-one (or several-on-one) time with your mayor? You're in luck! Starting this Saturday, July 16, Oakley Mayor Jim Frazier invites you to join him on a three-mile walk.

Ask 511CC! | 511 Contra Costa

Here on 511CC, we've assembled the finest collection of bike mappers, smog alerts, rideshare tools, and other resources to get you out from behind the wheel and enjoying beautiful Contra Costa County. Our goal is to have all of the answers, but sometimes, we need you to ask the questions.

Need to borrow wheels for a few hours or a weekend? Get around with @getaround: now serving Contra Costa County: http://511cc.org/carsharing

— 511CC · Fri, Jul 15 2011 11:20:06

A new freeway connector ramp will give drivers a direct route between the Highway 4 bypass and the Antioch Bridge: http://511cc.org/54

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 12 2011 13:25:03

Looking for a transit-accessible weekend destination? Pittsburg is rallying for your attention: http://511cc.org/53

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 12 2011 14:25:02

“East Bay-cations” in and around Contra Costa County | 511 Contra Costa

Looking for a fun and cost-effective way to take a break this summer? It might be time to give "stay-cations" a try. The catchy almost-portmanteau has only been around since 2005, but the concept is old enough. Instead of packing up the family for adventure abroad, use your time off to explore the lesser known adventures around you.

Video from Union City seat lab

Meanwhile, all the way in China, the eastern span of the new Bay Bridge is finished! http://511cc.org/55

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 12 2011 15:30:08

15 to 25 percent of all car accidents are associated with distractions. Your phone call and text messaging can wait! http://511cc.org/5a

— 511CC · Thu, Jul 14 2011 15:15:03

The SF Chronicle discusses the difficulty of growing old in a community designed for cars. http://511cc.org/52

— 511CC · Wed, Jul 13 2011 13:25:03

Pedestrians: Rights and Responsibilities | 511 Contra Costa

This morning, standing in a crosswalk, I stood 15 feet from a tractor trailer as it barreled through a red light. This afternoon, I found this article about plain-clothed cops busting drivers that fail to yield to pedestrians. These got me thinking: what are a pedestrian's rights and responsibilities?

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:00:31

Meet Eduardo – July Passenger of the Month | The County Connection

Eduardo has been a long time user of public transportation and for the last three years has been using County Connection buses and BART to get around almost exclusively. Not only is he helping to doing his part in "Sparing the Air" every day, he's saving himself a bundle in car payments, maintenance, and insurance every year.

Where is the dirt from the new Caldecott tunnel going? Hint - most of it is going to have a fantastic view http://511cc.org/4Q

— 511CC · Thu, Jul 07 2011 14:25:02

BART ridership is up at the new West Dublin-Pleasanton station AND the old D-P station! Read about it here @CCtimes http://511cc.org/4N

— 511CC · Wed, Jul 06 2011 13:20:03

More fare and fee increases from SFMTA | 511 Contra Costa

The San Francisco MTA rolled out several new fare increases July 1. The basic adult Muni fare is unchanged ($2 each). Still, if you commute into San Francisco, be aware: Did you know you could rent an entire San Francisco street car? Last month the two-hour rental was only $646.

From Richmond Confidential: An inspiring story about 18 childrens' first time riding BART and loving it! http://511cc.org/4L @riconfidential

— 511CC · Tue, Jul 05 2011 14:35:04

Did you know? Since 2002, the number of riders biking to BART has grown 65% (overall ridership grew 15%). That's a lot of new bikers!

— 511CC · Thu, Jul 07 2011 00:55:02

‘Parklets’ Create Public Space, 120 Square Feet at a Time | California Planning & Development Report

Among the many counterintuitive theories that Jane Jacobs dispensed was that of the evils of parks: if designed and situated poorly, they could turn into vast dead spaces where unsavory characters could congregate and mischief could ensure. She preferred, instead, smaller, more intimate spaces with close connections to their communities.

RT @rideact: Now you can add value to your Clipper card at BART stations http://tinyurl.com/3lbnps2

— 511CC · Fri, Jul 08 2011 14:29:01

Beyond Safety in Numbers: Why Bike Friendly Cities are Safer | Planetizen

Davis, California. Photos by the author. Davis, California, is widely celebrated as the bicycling capital of the United States with over 16% of the population commuting to work on bikes. What is less well known is the fact that the traffic fatality rate in Davis is also unusually low, at about 1/10th of the California statewide rate.

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:05:58

This weekend, Contra Costa County will crack down on drunken driving http://511cc.org/4H

— 511CC · Fri, Jul 01 2011 10:45:05

Expect minor weekend delays on BART's Pittsburg/Bay Point thru Labor Day: http://511cc.org/4r

— 511CC · Mon, Jun 27 2011 13:20:02

San Leandro's Streets in Poor Shape, Says New Report

If you feel like you're off-roading while driving down some of San Leandro's streets, it's probably not just your suspension (though you might want to have that checked, too). The city's roads are getting steadily worse.

A San Leandro Patch editor bikes, photographs, and blogs the Iron Horse Regional Trail http://bit.ly/m2ZLY1

— 511CC · Wed, Jun 29 2011 11:00:50

Pittsburg moves toward approval for BART transit village: http://511cc.org/4u

— 511CC · Mon, Jun 27 2011 16:00:04

Wanna test drive a Chevy Volt? Head to Bay City Chevrolet in Oakland: http://511cc.org/4t

— 511CC · Mon, Jun 27 2011 15:15:04

Yarnbombing BART | 511 Contra Costa

Have you seen this on BART? "Yarnbombing" is a form of removable graffiti, meant to be more fun than political. One BART rider decided to cheer up her ride with a customizer seat cozy.

BART needs your feedback to better accomodate bikes. Take their survey here! http://511cc.org/4B

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 30 2011 08:20:08

BART hit a new Sunday ridership record during Pride - 247,936. Laudable, but still less than half the Giants World Series record - 522,200!

— 511CC · Wed, Jun 29 2011 13:01:10

BART’s Lost and Found | 511 Contra Costa

Last week, I rode BART to the San Francisco Airport. Both BART and SFO were pretty empty. After San Bruno, the next to last stop, I noticed a brand new white iPhone sitting alone in the seat across from me.

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:10:23

Minor service changes go into effect Sunday. http://www.actransit.org/?p=13396

— rideact · Fri, Jun 24 2011 12:09:48

Town of Danville kicks off Share Our Streets | 511 Contra Costa

The Town of Danville is kicking off the first day of summer - a season synonymous with outdoor recreation - with the new "Share Our Streets" traffic safety campaign. "Share Our Streets", a joint effort by the Town's Transportation and Police Departments, is a new summer-long program targeting the three main groups using area roadways: drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

It's official! Broadway Shuttle will run Fri & Sat nights until 1am beginnning in early July. Stay tuned for more details.

— BroadwayShuttle · Wed, Jun 22 2011 10:37:22

The latest Caldecott Tunnel construction update | 511 Contra Costa

Just in - new numbers and a new graphic for the Caldecott Tunnel construction: With nearly 590 meters tunneled and just over 400 meters left to go, the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore is now 60% complete! Read more about the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore project:

Guaranteed Ride Home | 511 Contra Costa

You're ready to make the switch to transit. You've got your route all figured out. You have your fare, maybe even a Clipper Card. You've even checked out a book or picked up a newspaper for the ride.

Watch for increased bridge toll enforcement on the Benicia-Martinez bridge: http://511cc.org/4d

— 511CC · Tue, Jun 21 2011 14:05:05

.@cccta donating 10 paratransit vans to community orgs to serve elderly & disabled in Contra Costa County: http://511cc.org/4c

— 511CC · Tue, Jun 21 2011 11:55:03

Company Bike Challenge Winners Announced | Bike to Work Day

Here are the winners for the 2011's Company Bike Challenge. Congratulations to all!

Update on @SFBART's plan to run later trains on Friday, and earlier ones on Saturday: http://511cc.org/4h

— 511CC · Wed, Jun 22 2011 14:05:03

Bay Area Mike's Bikes collecting bicycles to send to Africa: http://511cc.org/4f

— 511CC · Tue, Jun 21 2011 16:25:03

Daredevil biker or not, DO stay at least four feet away from parked cars to avoid a 'door zone' accident: http://511cc.org/4m

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 23 2011 11:10:04

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:16:31

Event: Transit & Trails Triple Threat, June 18 - Bay Area Open Space Council

Quick, what are three of the highest peaks in the Bay Area?* ... The answer: Mount Hamilton (elevation 4,196 feet) Mount Diablo (elevation 3,864 feet) Mount Tamalpais (elevation 2,574 feet) On Saturday, June 18, 2011 we will hold the second annual Triple Threat bike challenge. Using only public transportation and...

Photo gallery from Ashby Bike Open House · sfbart.posterous.com

eBART plans roll along in East Contra Costa: http://511cc.org/3Y

— 511CC · Wed, Jun 15 2011 11:15:14

511CC staff tests out new BART seats at Pleasant Hill | 511 Contra Costa

511CC staff testing out possible new BART seats at the Pleasant Hill BART Station on Tuesday On Tuesday, we tested out BART's new seats at the Pleasant Hill station. What do you think of the new seats? Not able to make it to a lab to test the seats?

“Spared Air” in May | The County Connection

In the month of May, County Connection bus passengers "Spared the Air" of 24,147 pounds of CO2 emissions EVERY WEEKDAY by taking the bus instead of driving. It doesn't take much to do your part. If you leave your car home just one day a week you'll reduce CO2 emissions by 7.68 pounds on that day alone.

Bay Area Travel Time and Housing Prices | 511 Contra Costa

Where could you afford to live within a 30 minute commute of your workplace? One Bay Area assembled this new tool for you to explore. You tell the tool: For example, let's say you work in the Pinole Point Business Park.

Golden State Model Railroad Museum | 511 Contra Costa

Conversations about public transit, the outdoors, and history attracts a diverse and interesting group of people. Looking for a conflation of the three? Take a trip to the Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline Park!

Expensive gas prices got you down? Submit a pic of the high price you paid for gas, and you could win $500 in BART tix http://bit.ly/kwVKqI

— myBART · Tue, Jun 14 2011 10:01:04

Have you noticed the other Bay Bridge construction site? http://511cc.org/3Z

— 511CC · Wed, Jun 15 2011 14:25:06

Transit services for seniors earn best-in-nation rating

We hate to boast, but we're No. 1 - again. This time the honor is that San Francisco has the nation's best public transportation access for seniors - something that's becoming more important as Baby Boomers grow older and surrender their car keys.

With few transit options, seniors at risk of being stuck at home http://511cc.org/41

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 16 2011 11:16:37

Happy “Dump the Pump” Day! | 511 Contra Costa

Tomorrow is National Dump the Pump Day. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) started this holiday six years ago as an opportunity to remind people that, often, the easiest way to save money is by leaving your car parked and taking transit. Transit is a cheaper way to get to work, home, and recreational options than driving.

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:22:41

City of Pittsburg : Calendar : Green Footprint Festival

A Family Friendly Festival in Small World Park

Event: Transit & Trails Triple Threat, June 18 - Bay Area Open Space Council

Quick, what are three of the highest peaks in the Bay Area?* ... The answer: Mount Hamilton (elevation 4,196 feet) Mount Diablo (elevation 3,864 feet) Mount Tamalpais (elevation 2,574 feet) On Saturday, June 18, 2011 we will hold the second annual Triple Threat bike challenge. Using only public transportation and...

Direct bus service to be offered from Alameda County Fair to BART June 22 - July 10: http://511cc.org/3K

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 09 2011 15:15:02

Caldecott Fourth bore project unearths interesting pre-historic fossils: http://511cc.org/3F

— 511CC · Tue, Jun 07 2011 10:25:03

Richmond bike path part of downtown revitalization effort: http://511cc.org/3E

— 511CC · Tue, Jun 07 2011 08:15:28

Congrats to EBMUD for winning the top Contra Costa Team Bike Challenge for BTWD 2011: http://511cc.org/btwd

— 511CC · Mon, Jun 06 2011 16:45:12

A weekly column about walking in and around Martinez, CA http://511cc.org/3B

— 511CC · Mon, Jun 06 2011 15:10:11

BART asks: What do you want to see in a general manager? http://511cc.org/3N

— 511CC · Fri, Jun 10 2011 09:15:17

BART to spend more for cleaner, quieter train cars http://511cc.org/3M

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 09 2011 17:15:02

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:29:16

Expect major delays on BART through the Transbay Tube this weekend, June 4-5: http://511cc.org/3t

— 511CC · Tue, May 31 2011 16:55:02

The Fair starts tomorrow! Visit our info table at the Antioch Fairgrounds from June 2nd thru 5th. Hope to see you there! http://ow.ly/57MTu

— TriDeltaTransit · Wed, Jun 01 2011 09:46:06

AC Transit will hold youth Clipper card sign-ups every Saturday this month: http://511cc.org/3v

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 02 2011 15:45:04

Event: Transit & Trails Triple Threat, June 18 - Bay Area Open Space Council

Quick, what are three of the highest peaks in the Bay Area?* ... The answer: Mount Hamilton (elevation 4,196 feet) Mount Diablo (elevation 3,864 feet) Mount Tamalpais (elevation 2,574 feet) On Saturday, June 18, 2011 we will hold the second annual Triple Threat bike challenge. Using only public transportation and...

AC Transit fares to increase August 1, 2011 | 511 Contra Costa

Facing a $14.9 million shortfall, AC Transit's board of directors voted 5-0-1 last week to adopt a series of fare increases over the next ten years. Board President Elsa Ortiz, said, "We cannot expect to continue to have low fares without having some impact on service. For that reason I am voting for it."

Just figured out that I can take the Iron Horse Trail from my house to the Pleasant Hill BART. Way better than riding through traffic!

— ShawnTutt · Mon, May 30 2011 20:47:13

Our $25 Peet's winners this month: @briankgood (Twitter) and @danstinebaugh (Foursquare). Please DM us your emails to claim your gift cards!

— 511CC · Thu, Jun 02 2011 12:00:20

June Passenger of the Month | The County Connection

Curtis describes himself as a "veteran" bus rider. As a teen he used the bus to get to and from school every day, as well as to run other errands. "I learned at a young age that I didn't have to rely on others to drive me around town.

Remember: those yellow clean air car stickers expire next month: http://511cc.org/1k

— 511CC · Wed, Jun 01 2011 09:20:18

Our weekly roundup of Contra Costa County, East Bay and Bay Area news and events in transit, biking and transportation.

Storified by Trucy Phan · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:32:38

Bay Bridge Eastbound detour in Oakland to begin Memorial Day weekend | 511 Contra Costa

Today, Caltrans announced a detour for motorists driving into Oakland across the Bay Bridge beginning Memorial Day weekend. Motorists driving on the lower deck of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will experience a slightly different approach into Oakland after this Memorial Day weekend.

BART - Rider alert: Major Transbay Tube delays on two weekends in May, June

Rider alert: Major Transbay Tube delays on two weekends in May, June On the following days in May and June, there will be major delays for some customers traveling through the Transbay Tube due to vital maintenance and repair work. The delays are necessary to accommodate work on the cables that provide power to the track.

Video from today's press conference explaining major Transbay Tube delays for maintenance this weekend: http://bit.ly/k7ZCt8

— SFBART · Fri, May 27 2011 08:22:14

No Bus Service On Memorial Day | The County Connection

In observation of the Memorial Day holiday, County Connection buses will not run on Monday, May 30th. Buses will run on their regular weekend schedule (300 series) on Saturday and Sunday, May 28 & 29. Regular weekday bus service will resume on Tuesday, May 31st.

Only WestCAT Route J will operate on Monday May 30th. Buses will follow a Sunday/holiday schedule.

— 511CC · Fri, May 27 2011 09:30:14

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30th! Tri Delta Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Monday. http://trideltatransit.com/holidays.aspx

— TriDeltaTransit · Fri, May 27 2011 10:33:30

Event: Transit & Trails Triple Threat, June 18 - Bay Area Open Space Council

Quick, what are three of the highest peaks in the Bay Area?* ... The answer: Mount Hamilton (elevation 4,196 feet) Mount Diablo (elevation 3,864 feet) Mount Tamalpais (elevation 2,574 feet) On Saturday, June 18, 2011 we will hold the second annual Triple Threat bike challenge. Using only public transportation and...

Morning cylist with bike · 511 Contra Costa

Our Energizer Station photos from BTWD on Flickr: http://511cc.org/flickr

— 511CC · Thu, May 26 2011 11:30:17

Bike to Work Day – 25% bigger than ever! | 511 Contra Costa

Did you notice a few more people riding into work on two wheels last week? Last Thursday, over 4,360 people in Contra Costa County enjoyed the beautiful weather from their bicycles. That's 25% more than in 2010, which was the record-setting year itself. Dozens of energizer stations and hundreds of volunteers passed out goodies and snacks.