Robert Prinz
@prinzrob.bsky.social
Advocacy Director at Bike East Bay. See me for bicycle culture & transportation infrastructure news on the sunny side of the Bay.
Pinned
Robert Prinz
@prinzrob.bsky.social
· Nov 18
I will always like your sunset photos. Always.
I’m going to guess that, when calculating crosswalk signal times, traffic engineers aren’t taking into account that the first 5 seconds or so of the walk light is usually just drivers running the red.
January 17, 2026 at 6:23 PM
I’m going to guess that, when calculating crosswalk signal times, traffic engineers aren’t taking into account that the first 5 seconds or so of the walk light is usually just drivers running the red.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
Our staff & partners have been hard at work in their communities since the killing of Renee Good. We are grieving her death and the impacts of ICE actions to so much we hold dear as Minnesotans.
We all belong here. Our winters are cold but our people are warm.
Our full statement bikemn.org/blog
We all belong here. Our winters are cold but our people are warm.
Our full statement bikemn.org/blog
January 16, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Our staff & partners have been hard at work in their communities since the killing of Renee Good. We are grieving her death and the impacts of ICE actions to so much we hold dear as Minnesotans.
We all belong here. Our winters are cold but our people are warm.
Our full statement bikemn.org/blog
We all belong here. Our winters are cold but our people are warm.
Our full statement bikemn.org/blog
Reposted by Robert Prinz
Heads up drivers! After a 60-day warning period, ticketing will begin.
18 speed cameras just went up in Oakland. See where
Heads up drivers! After a 60-day warning period, ticketing will begin.
oaklandside.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Heads up drivers! After a 60-day warning period, ticketing will begin.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
New: Brian Hofer/Secure Justice updated Flock lawsuit filed this week. In addition to initial allegations that OPD breached previous settlement, its own policies & City's purchasing laws, it also alleges Brown Act violations during Rules process that scheduled the contract
January 16, 2026 at 10:30 PM
New: Brian Hofer/Secure Justice updated Flock lawsuit filed this week. In addition to initial allegations that OPD breached previous settlement, its own policies & City's purchasing laws, it also alleges Brown Act violations during Rules process that scheduled the contract
Some streets are safer than others, even though it’s the same people using them all. Why is this? The reason is differences in *design* & whether speed or safety is prioritized. To solve this we need to reject a focus on personal responsibility or fault & instead focus on systems.
January 16, 2026 at 10:40 PM
Some streets are safer than others, even though it’s the same people using them all. Why is this? The reason is differences in *design* & whether speed or safety is prioritized. To solve this we need to reject a focus on personal responsibility or fault & instead focus on systems.
It seems like there is an entire cottage industry of “doing something” e-device legislation these days, from electeds who are annoyed by cranky constituents complaining about kids on bikes, but who do not care enough to understand the situation or put energy into actual solutions.
January 16, 2026 at 5:42 PM
It seems like there is an entire cottage industry of “doing something” e-device legislation these days, from electeds who are annoyed by cranky constituents complaining about kids on bikes, but who do not care enough to understand the situation or put energy into actual solutions.
Last week a 19 year old was killed by a driver while crossing this street. This is the 3rd San Rafael pedestrian killed since Sept, all in crosswalks.
I’m so tired of Marin County decision makers wringing their hands over “ebike safety”, but w no proportional concern for dangerous drivers/streets.
I’m so tired of Marin County decision makers wringing their hands over “ebike safety”, but w no proportional concern for dangerous drivers/streets.
January 16, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Last week a 19 year old was killed by a driver while crossing this street. This is the 3rd San Rafael pedestrian killed since Sept, all in crosswalks.
I’m so tired of Marin County decision makers wringing their hands over “ebike safety”, but w no proportional concern for dangerous drivers/streets.
I’m so tired of Marin County decision makers wringing their hands over “ebike safety”, but w no proportional concern for dangerous drivers/streets.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
A little misinfo in this @kpixtv.bsky.social piece on Oakland speed cameras: “You could have to pay up to $500 if you are caught going at least 10 mph over the speed limit”.
Per state law $500 tickets are for people going >100 mph over the limit. 11-15 mph over is $50.
youtu.be/CzE9VyfB9bA
Per state law $500 tickets are for people going >100 mph over the limit. 11-15 mph over is $50.
youtu.be/CzE9VyfB9bA
Oakland installs speed cameras throughout the city
YouTube video by KPIX | CBS NEWS BAY AREA
youtu.be
January 15, 2026 at 4:42 PM
A little misinfo in this @kpixtv.bsky.social piece on Oakland speed cameras: “You could have to pay up to $500 if you are caught going at least 10 mph over the speed limit”.
Per state law $500 tickets are for people going >100 mph over the limit. 11-15 mph over is $50.
youtu.be/CzE9VyfB9bA
Per state law $500 tickets are for people going >100 mph over the limit. 11-15 mph over is $50.
youtu.be/CzE9VyfB9bA
Frustratingly, the insurance bike riders need the most is un/underinsured motorist liability coverage, to protect themselves from dangerous drivers. A state bill mandating higher costs & regulations for bike riders instead of holding people behind the wheel more accountable is sheer victim blaming.
Bad news: It looks like Democrats in the NJ State Senate have passed S4834, which requires insurance and registration for all e-bikes. Vote was Yes: 28 No: 10 Not Voting: 2. Companion bill likely to get vote in state assembly today. www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/...
NJ Legislature
The New Jersey State Legislature
www.njleg.state.nj.us
January 13, 2026 at 6:12 AM
Frustratingly, the insurance bike riders need the most is un/underinsured motorist liability coverage, to protect themselves from dangerous drivers. A state bill mandating higher costs & regulations for bike riders instead of holding people behind the wheel more accountable is sheer victim blaming.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
Bad news: It looks like Democrats in the NJ State Senate have passed S4834, which requires insurance and registration for all e-bikes. Vote was Yes: 28 No: 10 Not Voting: 2. Companion bill likely to get vote in state assembly today. www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/...
NJ Legislature
The New Jersey State Legislature
www.njleg.state.nj.us
January 12, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Bad news: It looks like Democrats in the NJ State Senate have passed S4834, which requires insurance and registration for all e-bikes. Vote was Yes: 28 No: 10 Not Voting: 2. Companion bill likely to get vote in state assembly today. www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/...
East Bay Parks is advertising a Tidewater Park project in Oakland w a new playground, lawn, trees, & bathrooms. It's a welcome update, except for the car parking lot which they're doubling to 120 spots. Meanwhile the Bay Trail from there to Jack London Square remains very incomplete.
January 13, 2026 at 12:57 AM
East Bay Parks is advertising a Tidewater Park project in Oakland w a new playground, lawn, trees, & bathrooms. It's a welcome update, except for the car parking lot which they're doubling to 120 spots. Meanwhile the Bay Trail from there to Jack London Square remains very incomplete.
It's worth noting that fundraising efforts to help mitigate Marin's increasing flooding risks would be a lot easier with denser land use patterns. Increased density would be a lot more defensible as well.
Marin County is one of the wealthiest parts of the Bay Area. But there is no easy way to conjure up the estimated $17 billion to address sea level rise and emergency flood threats.
Marin is facing up to its future after flooding — and a $17 billion price tag
Marin County is one of the wealthiest parts of the Bay Area. But there is no easy way to conjure up the estimated $17 billion to address sea level rise and emergency flood threats.
bit.ly
January 12, 2026 at 8:38 PM
It's worth noting that fundraising efforts to help mitigate Marin's increasing flooding risks would be a lot easier with denser land use patterns. Increased density would be a lot more defensible as well.
For over 10 years I’ve biked across Oakland every MLK Jr Day, reporting potholes to the city to help get them fixed, improving safety & saving money by extending the pavement life ahead of full resurfacing. This Tuesday I’m co-leading a training w @bikeeastbay.bsky.social to help you do this too.
No matter your mode of travel, we all agree: potholes suck.
Did you know you can submit hazards to your local public work departments to get them filled? It takes a few minutes, but leads to better rides for all.
We're sharing tips at our 1/13 webinar! bikeeastbay.org/pothole-chal...
Did you know you can submit hazards to your local public work departments to get them filled? It takes a few minutes, but leads to better rides for all.
We're sharing tips at our 1/13 webinar! bikeeastbay.org/pothole-chal...
January 12, 2026 at 3:55 PM
For over 10 years I’ve biked across Oakland every MLK Jr Day, reporting potholes to the city to help get them fixed, improving safety & saving money by extending the pavement life ahead of full resurfacing. This Tuesday I’m co-leading a training w @bikeeastbay.bsky.social to help you do this too.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
Help kick off the effort to STOP devastating cuts to transit in the Bay Area on 1/23.
We need to gather 200,000 signatures to get Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure, on the ballot.
This is an all hands on deck moment w/ events through the Bay. Details> luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
We need to gather 200,000 signatures to get Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure, on the ballot.
This is an all hands on deck moment w/ events through the Bay. Details> luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
Signature Gathering Kickoff for Connect Bay Area Transit · Luma
To avoid devastating Bay Area transit service cuts, we need to gather 200,000 signatures to get Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure enabled…
luma.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Help kick off the effort to STOP devastating cuts to transit in the Bay Area on 1/23.
We need to gather 200,000 signatures to get Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure, on the ballot.
This is an all hands on deck moment w/ events through the Bay. Details> luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
We need to gather 200,000 signatures to get Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure, on the ballot.
This is an all hands on deck moment w/ events through the Bay. Details> luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
Reposted by Robert Prinz
Join AIRcc, Major Taylor Bay Area Cycling Club, @bikeeastbay.bsky.social, Berkeley Bicycle Club, and Waffles & Wheels at "The Upcycle", a 100% donation based SWAP! Bring your bike parts, clothes, and accessories to trade 🚲 👕 🔒
Monday, January 12 | 5 - 7:30 pm
Sports Basement | 2727 Milvia Street
Monday, January 12 | 5 - 7:30 pm
Sports Basement | 2727 Milvia Street
January 9, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Join AIRcc, Major Taylor Bay Area Cycling Club, @bikeeastbay.bsky.social, Berkeley Bicycle Club, and Waffles & Wheels at "The Upcycle", a 100% donation based SWAP! Bring your bike parts, clothes, and accessories to trade 🚲 👕 🔒
Monday, January 12 | 5 - 7:30 pm
Sports Basement | 2727 Milvia Street
Monday, January 12 | 5 - 7:30 pm
Sports Basement | 2727 Milvia Street
Reposted by Robert Prinz
A $10 million fund from Ava Community Energy and Alameda County was used to reimburse e-bike buyers. Meanwhile, a new study shows laws haven’t kept up with e-bike collision risks.
Over 2,000 East Bay residents bought e-bikes with vouchers in the last 6 months
A $10 million fund from Ava Community Energy and Alameda County was used to reimburse e-bike buyers. Meanwhile, a new study shows laws haven’t kept up with e-bike collision risks.
oaklandside.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:19 PM
A $10 million fund from Ava Community Energy and Alameda County was used to reimburse e-bike buyers. Meanwhile, a new study shows laws haven’t kept up with e-bike collision risks.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
🚨 Save the date to save Bay Area transit: January 23rd!
This is our all hands on deck moment: we’re kicking off signature gathering for the regional measure with a day of action across all five counties on the 23rd.
luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
This is our all hands on deck moment: we’re kicking off signature gathering for the regional measure with a day of action across all five counties on the 23rd.
luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
Signature Gathering Kickoff for Connect Bay Area Transit · Luma
To avoid devastating Bay Area transit service cuts, we need to gather 200,000 signatures to get Connect Bay Area, the regional transit funding measure enabled…
luma.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:51 AM
🚨 Save the date to save Bay Area transit: January 23rd!
This is our all hands on deck moment: we’re kicking off signature gathering for the regional measure with a day of action across all five counties on the 23rd.
luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
This is our all hands on deck moment: we’re kicking off signature gathering for the regional measure with a day of action across all five counties on the 23rd.
luma.com/le1g7slf?tk=...
Reposted by Robert Prinz
The Bay Area Air District's Clean Cars for All program helps you retire an older vehicle (model year 2007 or earlier) and receive $7,500 to buy a new e-bike & cycling accessories. You can use the remaining funds for public transit. More: 511cc.org/cc4amobility @ccta.net @bikeeastbay.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 12:34 AM
The Bay Area Air District's Clean Cars for All program helps you retire an older vehicle (model year 2007 or earlier) and receive $7,500 to buy a new e-bike & cycling accessories. You can use the remaining funds for public transit. More: 511cc.org/cc4amobility @ccta.net @bikeeastbay.bsky.social
At yesterday’s Unincorporated Alameda County meeting about their proposed bike/walk commission formation (which has now been shelved), one of the supervisors made a comment along the lines of “we are all drivers”, as a justification for why bike/walk issues don't need a dedicated focus.
January 6, 2026 at 7:56 PM
At yesterday’s Unincorporated Alameda County meeting about their proposed bike/walk commission formation (which has now been shelved), one of the supervisors made a comment along the lines of “we are all drivers”, as a justification for why bike/walk issues don't need a dedicated focus.
Also, AVs are so far the most prevalent & utilized in denser areas that already have greater levels of transit service, b/c that's where they're most profitable. Converting transit trips to AV trips is a net loss wrt safety & other factors, in addition to also weakening transit for non AV-users.
Sorry, but triumphant claims about autonomous vehicle safety are wildly exaggerated.
It's an open question whether today’s self-driving cars are any safer than those driven by humans.
And if reducing crashes is the goal, that isn’t even the right question.
My deep dive, in Bloomberg 🧵
It's an open question whether today’s self-driving cars are any safer than those driven by humans.
And if reducing crashes is the goal, that isn’t even the right question.
My deep dive, in Bloomberg 🧵
We Still Don’t Know if Robotaxis Are Safer Than Human Drivers
And even if self-driving technology proves to be less dangerous, there are many better ways to improve traffic safety and prevent fatal crashes.
www.bloomberg.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Also, AVs are so far the most prevalent & utilized in denser areas that already have greater levels of transit service, b/c that's where they're most profitable. Converting transit trips to AV trips is a net loss wrt safety & other factors, in addition to also weakening transit for non AV-users.
Reposted by Robert Prinz
The daily presentation of precipitation that the state Department of Water Resources provides doesn't tell the reader much about how exceptional the current rain year has been. Luckily, it's easy to just grab their data into a notebook. Verdict: almost exceptional.
January 5, 2026 at 9:28 PM
The daily presentation of precipitation that the state Department of Water Resources provides doesn't tell the reader much about how exceptional the current rain year has been. Luckily, it's easy to just grab their data into a notebook. Verdict: almost exceptional.
Not noted in the KTVU piece, but fatal traffic crashes in Oakland have also dropped year over year since 2022, not correlated with any increase in police enforcement activity. Oakland finished 2025 w the lowest fatal crashes since pre-pandemic (though still far too many).
January 2, 2026 at 5:49 AM
Not noted in the KTVU piece, but fatal traffic crashes in Oakland have also dropped year over year since 2022, not correlated with any increase in police enforcement activity. Oakland finished 2025 w the lowest fatal crashes since pre-pandemic (though still far too many).
Berkeley has a lot of exciting projects in the works for 2026-28, including quite a few overdue bike boulevard upgrades to add traffic calming, diverters, & major intersection crossings. Check out my map w clickable details & links here, & let me know if I missed anything!
felt.com/map/Berkeley...
felt.com/map/Berkeley...
Berkeley Bikeways in Development (Jan 2025 update) – Felt
The only cloud-native GIS platform.
felt.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Berkeley has a lot of exciting projects in the works for 2026-28, including quite a few overdue bike boulevard upgrades to add traffic calming, diverters, & major intersection crossings. Check out my map w clickable details & links here, & let me know if I missed anything!
felt.com/map/Berkeley...
felt.com/map/Berkeley...
This KTVU piece about Oakland's 2 years of plunging crime rates has interviewees grasping at straws. The police union president acknowledges the safety gains despite very low OPD staffing levels, but then tries to take credit for the improvements anyway.
youtu.be/1AFjANKJEos?...
youtu.be/1AFjANKJEos?...
Oakland crime trending downward | KTVU
YouTube video by KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco
youtu.be
January 2, 2026 at 1:23 AM
This KTVU piece about Oakland's 2 years of plunging crime rates has interviewees grasping at straws. The police union president acknowledges the safety gains despite very low OPD staffing levels, but then tries to take credit for the improvements anyway.
youtu.be/1AFjANKJEos?...
youtu.be/1AFjANKJEos?...