LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – Lafayette is moving ahead with two linked pathway projects designed to make it easier and safer to walk and bike into the downtown core. City materials describe an ADA-compliant connection at the Lafayette BART station along with early design work on an east-west “Aqueduct Pathway” that would become the spine of a larger bicycle and pedestrian network through town.
Here’s what is coming, why it matters, and how to weigh in.
Project 1: BART South Side Pathway and Plaza
In the coming months, the City plans to break ground on a new ADA-compliant pathway on the south side of the Lafayette BART station. The path will tie directly into the existing Town Center Pathway that already guides people toward Mt. Diablo Blvd and the downtown restaurants and shops.
The BART project includes:
- A secure bike parking facility for up to 82 bicycles
- A small public plaza that doubles as a welcoming gateway to Lafayette
- Space for community gatherings and an art installation
The goal is simple: give riders and neighbors a comfortable, well-lit route from trains to town, with a safe place to lock a bike and a plaza that says “you’ve arrived.”
Project 2: The Aqueduct Pathway
In parallel, Lafayette is starting design work on the Aqueduct Pathway, a longer corridor that could ultimately knit together multiple neighborhoods. The City has an agreement with EBMUD to use the utility’s right-of-way, which runs roughly parallel to Highway 24.
Early design will focus on the downtown segments from Pleasant Hill Road east to Brown Avenue. Over time, the pedestrian and bicycle pathway could extend west from its current terminus, creating a continuous off-street alternative to busy arterials.
Think of the Aqueduct Pathway as Lafayette’s green backbone — a route for people on foot, bikes, and scooters that avoids high-speed traffic while still connecting to schools, parks, BART, and downtown.
Why This Matters
- Safety and access. ADA-compliant design means the BART connection will work for everyone, including people using mobility devices, families with strollers, and riders wheeling bikes.
- Real transportation choice. A secure 82-bike parking facility gives commuters confidence to ride instead of drive. That helps reduce parking pressure downtown and around BART.
- Economic vitality. Better walk and bike access tends to boost foot traffic for small businesses. A welcoming plaza at BART creates a natural meet-up point and a front door to downtown.
- Climate and quality of life. Short trips make up a big share of driving in Lafayette. Creating a comfortable, connected pathway network is one of the fastest ways to shift some of those trips to walking or biking.
What Will It Look Like?
While detailed design is still to come, the City’s description points to a mix of:
- Off-street multi-use paths separated from vehicle traffic
- Wayfinding that directs people to BART, schools, and the downtown core
- Public-space improvements at the BART plaza, including art and seating
- Bike security upgrades so riders can park for the day without worry
As designs advance, expect opportunities for public input on alignment, crossings, lighting, landscaping, and art.
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