San Francisco’s Valencia Street Bike Lanes Undergo Major Changes
SAN FRANCISCO –
The bike lanes that once ran through the center of Valencia Street in San Francisco are being removed as part of a new plan to enhance roadway functionality. The removal process began this Monday, with city crews actively grinding and paving the affected area between 15th and 23rd streets in the Mission District.
Removal of Center Bike Lanes
After facing significant opposition from the local business community, San Francisco officials have decided to eliminate the center bike lanes. These lanes were initially introduced as part of a pilot program by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) in 2023, aiming to minimize conflicts between cyclists and motorists while maximizing parking and loading options for nearby businesses.
Currently, these center lanes are fully closed to bicycle traffic as crews continue their work. The objective now shifts to constructing curbside bike lanes, which are intended to be safer for cyclists.
Business Community Reactions
Local business owners along Valencia Street have expressed concerns that the center bike lanes negatively impacted foot traffic to their stores. Many argued that the design did not align with safety intentions, leading to calls for the SFMTA to reevaluate their approach.
“They not only put people closer to the curb, [but] they are farther and further separated from car traffic,” stated Luke Bornheimer, the executive director of Streets Forward, an advocacy group focused on cycling and pedestrian safety.
Bornheimer advocated for an alternative design, proposing a layout where bike lanes are positioned between sidewalks and parked cars, enhancing safety while also benefiting local businesses. “It’ll be the sidewalks, bike lane, parked cars, then driving cars, so they’ll be fully separated from the cars,” he remarked.
Next Steps
The SFMTA has outlined plans to complete the construction at a pace of about one block per day, dependent on weather conditions. This construction is expected to last for approximately eight to ten days, during which time parking in the vicinity will be restricted.
Background on Bike Lane Implementation
Initially implemented as a pilot in response to the growing need for safer transit options in congested areas, the center-running bike lane model has sparked considerable discussion about urban planning priorities and the balance between cyclist safety and commercial viability.
