January 12th, 2026

Mayor Adena Ishii and City Council

2180 Milvia Street, 

Berkeley, California 94704

Dear Mayor and Council,

We are writing to express our strong support for a pedestrianized Telegraph Avenue. By limiting or removing private vehicles on the one-way section of Telegraph, Berkeley can become a leader in reclaiming urban green space, reducing car dependence, and improving street safety for all. 

The one way section of Telegraph Avenue, from Bancroft Way to Dwight Way, is one of the most highly trafficked places in the city for people walking, biking, and taking transit. Pedestrians, bikers, and transit riders outnumber drivers by a factor of more than 2:1 on the corridor, according to the City’s data. The current street design does not take this reality into account, allowing two lanes of fast moving traffic and street parking that wastes valuable space in one of the most vibrant parts of Berkeley, while also encouraging carbon emissions and air pollution from cars. The Sierra Club believes Berkeley can do better.  

By limiting or removing cars on Telegraph, the City of Berkeley can create new public green space in the Southside, reduce car dependency, and improve the lives of the tens of thousands of people who use the corridor everyday. By installing mature trees, water-permeable surfaces, and amenities like benches and tables, Telegraph can become a welcoming, vibrant plaza that increases climate resilience and brings significant economic benefits to nearby businesses. This vision aligns with the Sierra Club’s goals to reduce car dependence and increase green space in urban areas.

Pedestrianizing Telegraph is a decades-old dream that increases safety, sustainability, and joy in the heart of the Southside. With the right leadership and a thoughtful planning process, we can make that dream a reality. We thank you for making Berkeley a more resilient and sustainable city for generations to come.

Maxwell Davis, Chair

Sierra Club Northern Alameda County Group