Project Summary
Power the People: Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Access Study, is a project that will explore the feasibility of creating a new fare-free zero emissions bus route along 73rd Ave and other clean mobility options that will bring East Oakland residents from 94603, 94605 and 94621 zip codes to the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline park. In belief that the same neighbors of East Oakland deserve better neighborhoods, this project aims to model how community can plan for improvements without displacing existing low - moderate income BIPOC residents. 

This project is a partnership between the East Oakland Collective and Oakland Department of Transportation. It is funded by the California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

Additional project partners for our community engagement include: Higher Ground, Oakland Climate Action Coalition, Brower Dellums Institute for Sustainable Policy Studies, Roots Health Community Clinic, and Black Cultural Zone Collaborative. AC Transit is also participating in a technical advisory role. Emergent Labs is consulting on the project. 

---

Project Location
Neighborhoods between Liberation Park (7101 Foothill Blvd, 94605) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline (1 Swan Way, 94621)

Accessing the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline 

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline is a 748-acre park located in deep East Oakland near Oakland International Airport and bordered by San Leandro Bay. A beautiful green space to enjoy self, nature, water activities and more. At the shoreline you can enjoy several activities such as areas to BBQ, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, birdwatching, areas to meditate and other activities. We believe all East Oakland residents should have safe and healthy pathways to access the shoreline. 

Currently, the easiest way to access the shoreline is by car along 98th Ave to Doolittle Drive, Hegenberger Rd/73 rd Ave to Swan Way, 66th ave or Tidewater Ave. This project will engage residents to identify which clean mobility options  would support them in accessing the shoreline. The project also aims to identify and propose solutions to existing socio-economic challenges associated to Hegenberger Rd/73 rd Ave such as displacement, public health and safety and speeding. 

Take our survey about shoreline access and programs below: 

Core Principles
Our principles for all deep East Oakland transportation projects stem from the East Oakland Mobility Action Plan. Those principles are: 

Just Planning

City planners and engineers will center racial justice in the planning process and uplift historically underserved East
Oaklanders, especially Black residents.

Freedom of Movement

East Oaklanders will travel whenever and wherever they want comfortably, efficiently, safely, and affordably.

Power in Place

As changes occur in the right-of-way, East Oakland community members will be secure in the preservation of their housing, businesses, and culture and be able to benefit from those changes and thrive.

Self Determination & Transformative Partnerships

Community members will be partners in the planning process and will be co-designers in shaping their neighborhoods.

---

Health and Environmental Impacts
​of Different Transportation Modes

Zero emission buses can reduce respiratory symptoms, including asthma in our neighborhoods. Buses improve air quality of neighborhoods by reducing pollution.

A 20-minute walk a day can improve memory, sleep, and learning. It also reduces anxiety symptoms.

Riding a bike leads to better overall fitness, reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, and lower rates of obesity and diabetes.

​Skateboarding is known to boost your mood, with an emphasis on self-expression through physical exercise that improves agility, balance, and coordination.

According to a study on electric scooters they are better for the environment than personal automobiles but worse than buses with higher ridership or electric bicycles.

A significant amount of air pollutants are caused by motor vehicle exhaust. Electric vehicles reduce or eliminate tailpipe emissions, improving air quality and promoting better health.