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BART Driver Blocks Oakland Bike Lane, Flips Off Cyclist
Streetsblog editor calls for BART to fire contractor employee for dangerous and disrespectful behavior
Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:39pm
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A Streetsblog editor was riding his bike in Oakland when he encountered a BART contractor’s van parked in a protected bike lane, blocking the path for cyclists. When the editor politely asked the driver to move, the driver responded by rolling up the window and giving the cyclist the middle finger. The editor reported the incident to a nearby police officer, who was able to get the driver to finally move the van.
Why it matters
This incident highlights an ongoing problem of BART employees and contractors blocking bike lanes and endangering cyclists, which undermines public trust and support for the transit agency. As BART seeks voter approval for future measures, it’s crucial that the agency holds its workers accountable for respecting all road users, including bicyclists.
The details
The Streetsblog editor was riding his bike and crossing Broadway to access BikeLink lockers in front of Oakland’s City Hall when he encountered a van parked in the protected bike lane. The editor politely asked the driver, who was an employee of BART’s advertising contractor Outfront, to move the van, but the driver responded by rolling up the window and giving the cyclist the middle finger. The editor then found a nearby police officer, an Alameda County sheriff, who was able to get the driver to finally move the van, though not before the driver nearly hit a pedestrian in the process.
- The incident occurred on January 29, 2026 in Oakland, California.
The players
Roger Rudick
The editor of Streetsblog San Francisco who encountered the BART contractor’s van blocking the bike lane and reported the incident.
Bob Powers
The general manager of BART.
Outfront
The advertising contractor for BART whose employee was driving the van that blocked the bike lane.
Alameda County Sheriff
The police officer who responded to the cyclist’s report and was able to get the van driver to move the vehicle.
What they’re saying
“Well, it looks like he got the message.”
— Alameda County Sheriff (Streetsblog)
What’s next
BART must take disciplinary action against the Outfront employee who blocked the bike lane and disrespected the cyclist, as well as review its contract with Outfront to ensure all of its workers are properly trained and held accountable for respecting bike infrastructure and road safety.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the need for BART to prioritize the safety and comfort of all road users, including cyclists, if the agency wants to maintain public support for future measures. Holding its employees and contractors to high standards of professionalism and respect is crucial for rebuilding trust in the transit system.
