Valencia Street’s contentious middle bike lane, which separated riders and shop owners, is being removed.
On Tuesday, the SFMTA authorized a revised lane design. According to veteran biker Christopher John De La Cruz, the choice couldn’t have been made sooner.
“When they moved the bike lane like in the middle, like, at first I was, I was excited because, you know, OK, that seems pretty cool,” De La Cruz stated. It’s far more efficient, I think. However, it became very tiresome as time passed because I had to wait for the traffic light to change so I could simply drive in the center.”
The center lane, according to De La Cruz, was a nice idea in theory but not so great in reality. He informed KPIX that the commute was considerably riskier because of the traffic lights, pedestrians, and left turns. He also believes that conventional bike lanes next to the curb are much simpler for vehicles to comprehend.
“I think it’s safer to the side, because you only have to look out for, like, one side of the road, because there’s cars to just to your left,” De La Cruz said. “Yeah, it’s always to your left, compared to being in the middle, you know, you have to look out for the ones to your left.”
The SFMTA board adopted a plan to stretch the bike lanes to the curb of Valencia Street at 15th and 23rd and restore two-lane traffic after almost three hours of public debate. Bicyclists utilizing the new bike lane will encounter obstacles in the form of parklets and parking spots. In total, 26 parklets will remain in their current locations under the new design; the remaining ones will be moved when building starts in January.
The safety of the side lanes continues to be a concern for some cyclists who attended the discussion. However, a few entrepreneurs applauded the choice.
According to Leah Martin, owner of Nowhere, a clothes store on Valencia, some businesses along the strip find the middle bike lane problematic since it makes parking difficult for patrons. She thinks the new lane would ease some of the frustration, but she says her business will be OK.
In the end, she stated that every design had advantages and disadvantages.
“I don’t believe that this issue will have a flawless answer. And whatever happens, I believe that someone will be disappointed with the outcome,” Martin stated.
The lane’s construction is anticipated to start in January and be finished in two to three months.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
ChiefsFocus is a dedicated news writer with extensive experience in covering news across the United States. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to journalistic integrity, ChiefsFocus delivers accurate and engaging content that informs and resonates with readers, keeping them updated on the latest developments nationwide.