A much-criticized bike lane that runs through the middle of a San Francisco street could be relocated less than a year after it was built.
It was a bold and different plan. Cyclists would ride in the middle of Valencia Street between the traffic lanes. The center bike lane was installed last August between 15th and 23rd streets in the Mission District.
The goal was to make cyclists feel safer and create an efficient traffic artery along the Mission. But the project has since come under criticism. People in the area say there are no clear directions for cyclists or motorists, leading to confusion and danger.
The SFMTA is currently seeking approval from the city's Department of Transportation for a side-by-side bike lane. Two concepts are under discussion:
- One proposal would force cyclists to ride around restaurant parklets, bringing them closer to traffic.
- The other design would have cyclists ride between the curb and the parklets.
Some local business owners KPIX spoke to are fed up with the whole thing.
“It's terrible. It's not an attractive part of town anymore. Nobody wants to be here,” said Sahar Milani, owner of Rossi Mission SF.
Kevin Ortiz, a member of VAMANOS, a newly formed coalition against the current design of the bike lanes, expressed the community's concerns.
“We have seen 20 companies close, the latest being Los Amigos. So the question is how many more companies will have to suffer,” he said. “The problem is that the SFMTA has not reached out to our organization. We want to meet with them, but they are basically only making contact a week before the actual hearing, which is next week,” he added.
“They don’t ask us or discuss with us, and then they ask people,” says Eiad Eltaweil, owner of the Yasmi restaurant.
In fact, some business owners have filed a lawsuit with the city because they're upset about the loss of parking and other changes in the neighborhood. KPIX spoke with a cyclist today who understands their concerns but still enjoys the ride.
“From a cyclist’s perspective, it’s safer for bikes,” said Craig Sakowitz, a cyclist.
Sakowitz said that while the center bike lane reduces the risk of being hit by a car door or colliding with pedestrians, it also makes it more difficult to turn onto other streets.
All of this information will feed into the next debate on moving the lane to the curb. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will hold a public hearing on the issue a week from now, on Tuesday, June 18.
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Anna Makovec
