Daniel Owens

The one-mile-long Central Freeway is arguably the ugliest piece of infrastructure in San Francisco. “The Stub,” as I like to call it, has loomed over the heart of the city for six decades, sitting at the nexus of the Mission District, SoMa, Lower Haight, Hayes Valley and several other neighborhoods.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

The one-mile-long Central Freeway is arguably the ugliest piece of infrastructure in San Francisco. “The Stub,” as I like to call it, has loomed over the heart of the city for six decades, sitting at the nexus of the Mission District, SoMa, Lower Haight, Hayes Valley and several other neighborhoods.&nbsp;

The Stub acts as a physical and psychological barrier to neighborhood connectivity, blighting the corridor and discouraging foot traffic to nearby small businesses. Four of the 10 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/21/the-san-francisco-streets-youre-most-likely-to-be-hit-by-a-car-on/">most dangerous intersections</a> in San Francisco are either underneath or part of The Stub. Like any other freeway slicing through urban areas, significant pollution encompasses The Stub, creating <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2022/09/air-pollution-mission-san-francisco/">dangerous AQI levels</a> for thousands of residents and workers.&nbsp;

The San Francisco streets where you&#8217;re most likely to be hit by a car

The Stub acts as a physical and psychological barrier to neighborhood connectivity, blighting the corridor and discouraging foot traffic to nearby small businesses. Four of the 10 <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/09/21/the-san-francisco-streets-youre-most-likely-to-be-hit-by-a-car-on/">most dangerous intersections</a> in San Francisco are either underneath or part of The Stub. Like any other freeway slicing through urban areas, significant pollution encompasses The Stub, creating <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2022/09/air-pollution-mission-san-francisco/">dangerous AQI levels</a> for thousands of residents and workers.&nbsp;

A pollution map of the area around the Central Freeway.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multi-pollution-map-1.png?w=2000" alt="The image maps particulate matter in a city, with colors indicating pollution levels: green (low), yellow, orange, and red (high) near Central Freeway and US-101." class="wp-image-283620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A pollution map of the area around the Central Freeway.</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multi-pollution-map-1.png?w=2000" alt="The image maps particulate matter in a city, with colors indicating pollution levels: green (low), yellow, orange, and red (high) near Central Freeway and US-101." class="wp-image-283620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A pollution map of the area around the Central Freeway.</figcaption></figure>

The Stub’s existence also prevents San Francisco from modernizing infrastructure and the urban streetscape of the surrounding neighborhoods. If removed, the city would finally have the opportunity to expand public transit and create more parks in an area that has the least amount of green space in the entire city. San Francisco is also in the midst of a disastrous <a href="https://www.lewis.ucla.edu/research/regional-housing-need-san-francisco-bay-area/">housing shortage crisis</a>, leading to exorbitant housing costs and the vast displacement of longtime residents.

The Stub’s existence also prevents San Francisco from modernizing infrastructure and the urban streetscape of the surrounding neighborhoods. If removed, the city would finally have the opportunity to expand public transit and create more parks in an area that has the least amount of green space in the entire city. San Francisco is also in the midst of a disastrous <a href="https://www.lewis.ucla.edu/research/regional-housing-need-san-francisco-bay-area/">housing shortage crisis</a>, leading to exorbitant housing costs and the vast displacement of longtime residents.

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="283622" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multistudio-cf-before-1.png" alt="The image shows a busy street corner under an overpass, with buildings, cars, and a billboard. The billboard advertises HR, IT, and finance services." class="wp-image-283622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Underneath the Central Freeway, in the core of San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="283621" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multistudio-cf-after-1.png" alt="A lively urban street scene with pedestrians, trees, outdoor seating areas, and buildings. A father holding hands with two kids crosses the street near a food truck." class="wp-image-283621"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The site of the Central Freeway stub, transformed.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>

Underneath the Central Freeway in the core of San Francisco

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multistudio-cf-before-1.png" alt="The image shows a busy street corner under an overpass, with buildings, cars, and a billboard. The billboard advertises HR, IT, and finance services." class="wp-image-283622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Underneath the Central Freeway, in the core of San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

The site of the Central Freeway stub, transformed.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multistudio-cf-after-1.png" alt="A lively urban street scene with pedestrians, trees, outdoor seating areas, and buildings. A father holding hands with two kids crosses the street near a food truck." class="wp-image-283621"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The site of the Central Freeway stub, transformed.</figcaption></figure>

core/gallery

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multistudio-cf-before-1.png" alt="The image shows a busy street corner under an overpass, with buildings, cars, and a billboard. The billboard advertises HR, IT, and finance services." class="wp-image-283622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Underneath the Central Freeway, in the core of San Francisco.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-multistudio-cf-after-1.png" alt="A lively urban street scene with pedestrians, trees, outdoor seating areas, and buildings. A father holding hands with two kids crosses the street near a food truck." class="wp-image-283621"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The site of the Central Freeway stub, transformed.</figcaption></figure></figure>

If current City Hall leaders are serious about meeting our <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2023/san-francisco-housing/">state housing mandate</a> of building 82,000 new homes by 2031, then they should take a hard look at our proposal for <a href="http://www.visionblvd.org/">Vision Blvd</a>. We believe that removing the freeway would free up land for thousands of new affordable homes.

If current City Hall leaders are serious about meeting our <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2023/san-francisco-housing/">state housing mandate</a> of building 82,000 new homes by 2031, then they should take a hard look at our proposal for <a href="http://www.visionblvd.org/">Vision Blvd</a>. We believe that removing the freeway would free up land for thousands of new affordable homes.

Vision Blvd is a grassroots San Francisco campaign led by residents that seeks to remove The Stub once and for all, and replace it with abundant new housing, transit, and parks. This is a vision that looks toward the future while acknowledging current community needs.

Vision Blvd is a grassroots San Francisco campaign led by residents that seeks to remove The Stub once and for all, and replace it with abundant new housing, transit, and parks. This is a vision that looks toward the future while acknowledging current community needs.

Vision Blvd faces many challenges. Whenever freeway removal proposals are introduced, fears of clogged traffic and “carmageddon” emerge. We hear those concerns, and we do not dismiss them. Addressing the traffic issue is one of our biggest priorities.&nbsp;

Vision Blvd faces many challenges. Whenever freeway removal proposals are introduced, fears of clogged traffic and “carmageddon” emerge. We hear those concerns, and we do not dismiss them. Addressing the traffic issue is one of our biggest priorities.&nbsp;

Vision Blvd has enlisted traffic engineers and city planners to ensure our plan is sound. Based on our research and analysis, the time it takes vehicles to get from point A to point B will remain about the same once the freeway is removed, as <a href="https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/26135/dot_26135_DS1.pdf">evidenced by previous San Francisco freeway removals</a> that were similar in scope. The Embarcadero and Hayes Valley were rejuvenated as a result of these freeway removals. More studies are, however, in order, and <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/remove-the-central-freeway-once-and-for-all">we call on local and state leaders</a> to fund that critical work.

Vision Blvd has enlisted traffic engineers and city planners to ensure our plan is sound. Based on our research and analysis, the time it takes vehicles to get from point A to point B will remain about the same once the freeway is removed, as <a href="https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/26135/dot_26135_DS1.pdf">evidenced by previous San Francisco freeway removals</a> that were similar in scope. The Embarcadero and Hayes Valley were rejuvenated as a result of these freeway removals. More studies are, however, in order, and <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/remove-the-central-freeway-once-and-for-all">we call on local and state leaders</a> to fund that critical work.

Other local factors stand in our way. Various crises in San Francisco have dominated our political and civic attention. These crises have compelled city leaders to put projects like ours on the back burner, despite the fact that it has been city policy to <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/I4_Transportation.htm">study Central Freeway alternatives</a> since 2004.&nbsp;

Other local factors stand in our way. Various crises in San Francisco have dominated our political and civic attention. These crises have compelled city leaders to put projects like ours on the back burner, despite the fact that it has been city policy to <a href="https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/I4_Transportation.htm">study Central Freeway alternatives</a> since 2004.&nbsp;

The state of things under the Central Freeway.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-cf-1.jpeg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a dimly lit, slightly wet street beneath an overpass, with a barbed-wire fence to the left, and light traffic in the background." class="wp-image-283614"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The state of things under the Central Freeway.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240612-opinionvisionblvd-cf-1.jpeg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a dimly lit, slightly wet street beneath an overpass, with a barbed-wire fence to the left, and light traffic in the background." class="wp-image-283614"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The state of things under the Central Freeway.</figcaption></figure>

The city currently has a <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco-london-breed-proposed-budget/3554329/">$16 billion dollar budget</a> and it would cost about $150,000 to complete a comprehensive study of the impacts of Central Freeway removal, or 0.0009% of the budget. In a time when residents are frustrated by the city’s lack of follow-through on important policy items, do leaders want another 20 years to pass before we get something done?

The city currently has a <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco-london-breed-proposed-budget/3554329/">$16 billion dollar budget</a> and it would cost about $150,000 to complete a comprehensive study of the impacts of Central Freeway removal, or 0.0009% of the budget. In a time when residents are frustrated by the city’s lack of follow-through on important policy items, do leaders want another 20 years to pass before we get something done?

In a perfect world, City Hall would have the bandwidth to focus on projects like ours, and not be mired in emergencies like rampant homelessness and the fentanyl crisis. Regardless of San Francisco’s current conditions, we will continue to thoughtfully and meticulously advocate for our proposal, because we believe it can help revitalize several neighborhoods impacted by these issues.

In a perfect world, City Hall would have the bandwidth to focus on projects like ours, and not be mired in emergencies like rampant homelessness and the fentanyl crisis. Regardless of San Francisco’s current conditions, we will continue to thoughtfully and meticulously advocate for our proposal, because we believe it can help revitalize several neighborhoods impacted by these issues.

Vision Blvd is in the spirit of San Francisco’s long history of dreaming up big ideas and bringing them to life. We built the Golden Gate Bridge. We invented the television. We have been a stronghold of LGBT rights. San Francisco built the world’s largest shipbuilding complex during World War II. The first-ever denim jeans company, Levi Strauss, started here. We attract the best tech industry talent in the world.&nbsp;

Vision Blvd is in the spirit of San Francisco’s long history of dreaming up big ideas and bringing them to life. We built the Golden Gate Bridge. We invented the television. We have been a stronghold of LGBT rights. San Francisco built the world’s largest shipbuilding complex during World War II. The first-ever denim jeans company, Levi Strauss, started here. We attract the best tech industry talent in the world.&nbsp;

And to really drive home the point, <a href="https://www.cnu.org/what-we-do/build-great-places/octavia-boulevard">we have already</a> successfully <a href="https://www.cnu.org/what-we-do/build-great-places/embarcadero-freeway-removal">removed two freeways</a> in our city limits. It is in San Franciscans’ DNA to be inventive and creative—to create seismic change that doesn’t require an actual tectonic event. Given broad, citywide support and a completed transportation study within the next year or two, the freeway could be removed soon–not 10 or 20 years down the road.&nbsp;

And to really drive home the point, <a href="https://www.cnu.org/what-we-do/build-great-places/octavia-boulevard">we have already</a> successfully <a href="https://www.cnu.org/what-we-do/build-great-places/embarcadero-freeway-removal">removed two freeways</a> in our city limits. It is in San Franciscans’ DNA to be inventive and creative—to create seismic change that doesn’t require an actual tectonic event. Given broad, citywide support and a completed transportation study within the next year or two, the freeway could be removed soon–not 10 or 20 years down the road.&nbsp;

The 13th and Division Streets corridor–the Vision Blvd corridor–could be one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in all of San Francisco. Future generations are depending on us to create a better, safer, and more livable city for all.

The 13th and Division Streets corridor–the Vision Blvd corridor–could be one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in all of San Francisco. Future generations are depending on us to create a better, safer, and more livable city for all.

I think San Francisco is up to the task.

Daniel Owens is an SFUSD high school educator, longtime Mission District resident and member of the Vision Blvd campaign.

Daniel Owens is an SFUSD high school educator, longtime Mission District resident and member of the Vision Blvd campaign.

Demolish the Central Freeway. Build homes, parks and transit

Opinion: Demolish the Central Freeway. Build homes, parks and transit

Han Li

It was a chilly, windy Thursday morning — good weather for getting mad. Denise Selleck drove to a parking lot near Ocean Beach to meet up with other motorists who had gathered to fume before forming a protest caravan that would take over the Great Highway.

It was a chilly, windy Thursday morning — good weather for getting mad. Denise Selleck drove to a parking lot near Ocean Beach to meet up with other motorists who had gathered to fume before forming a protest caravan that would take over the Great Highway.

Selleck was one of dozens of protesters opposing the potential permanent closure of the Great Highway and its transformation into a park. Located on the west end of the Outer Sunset, the coastal road is open to cars during weekdays and closed on weekends.

Selleck was one of dozens of protesters opposing the potential permanent closure of the Great Highway and its transformation into a park. Located on the west end of the Outer Sunset, the coastal road is open to cars during weekdays and closed on weekends.

“I’ve never felt as dismissed and disrespected as I did,” Selleck, a 67-year-old retired teacher at City College, told The Standard. She said keeping the Great Highway open to cars is safer than rerouting them to other roads in the Sunset.&nbsp;

“I’ve never felt as dismissed and disrespected as I did,” Selleck, a 67-year-old retired teacher at City College, told The Standard. She said keeping the Great Highway open to cars is safer than rerouting them to other roads in the Sunset.&nbsp;

Denise Selleck holds up an “Open The Great Highway” sign at a rally on Great Highway and Lincoln Way in the Sunset neighborhood on Thursday July 18, 2024. From bike lanes controversy to the Great Highway car ban, SF drivers are fighting back against the closure of the automobile ban along Highway 1.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240724-driverpolitics-tv0071-edited.jpg" alt="A person in a cap and plaid shirt holds a yellow sign reading &quot;OPEN THE GREAT HIGHWAY&quot; in English and Chinese. Their expression is serious and determined." class="wp-image-292531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Denise Selleck believes keeping the Great Highway open to cars would be safer than rerouting them to other roads in the Sunset.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240724-driverpolitics-tv0071-edited.jpg" alt="A person in a cap and plaid shirt holds a yellow sign reading &quot;OPEN THE GREAT HIGHWAY&quot; in English and Chinese. Their expression is serious and determined." class="wp-image-292531"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Denise Selleck believes keeping the Great Highway open to cars would be safer than rerouting them to other roads in the Sunset.</figcaption></figure>

Conflicts between drivers relying on vehicle access and parking spaces and urban advocates for bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit have been on full display in recent years in San Francisco.

Conflicts between drivers relying on vehicle access and parking spaces and urban advocates for bicyclists, pedestrians and public transit have been on full display in recent years in San Francisco.

This schism will be reflected on the ballot in November, when voters will decide whether to permanently close the Great Highway to cars. Fed-up drivers are organizing to fight the measure.

This schism will be reflected on the ballot in November, when voters will decide whether to permanently close the Great Highway to cars. Fed-up drivers are organizing to fight the measure.

The protesters at Thursday’s car parade, which was organized by Chinese American community activists, covered their windows with yellow posters saying “Open the Great Highway” and drove around the Sunset. Some used loudspeakers to yell the slogan. They argued that the roadway is important for west-side families and that the neighborhood already has plenty of park access at Golden Gate Park.

The protesters at Thursday’s car parade, which was organized by Chinese American community activists, covered their windows with yellow posters saying “Open the Great Highway” and drove around the Sunset. Some used loudspeakers to yell the slogan. They argued that the roadway is important for west-side families and that the neighborhood already has plenty of park access at Golden Gate Park.

The opponents of the Great Highway closure are <a href="https://x.com/openthegreathwy/status/1803620472103510499">preparing for a political fight</a>, recruiting campaign consultants and lobbying Supervisor Joel Engardio to revoke the ballot measure.

The opponents of the Great Highway closure are <a href="https://x.com/openthegreathwy/status/1803620472103510499">preparing for a political fight</a>, recruiting campaign consultants and lobbying Supervisor Joel Engardio to revoke the ballot measure.

Elisa Smith, a long time local, urges that the Great Highway be open as other attendees stand in support on Great Highway and Lincoln Way in the Sunset neighborhood on Thursday July 18, 2024. From bike lanes controversy to the Great Highway car ban, SF drivers are fighting back against the closure of the automobile ban along Highway 1.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240724-driverpolitics-tv0010-edited.jpg" alt="A group of people are gathered holding yellow signs that read &quot;Open the Great Highway&quot; in both English and Chinese. They are participating in a protest or rally." class="wp-image-292529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters will decide in November whether to permanently close the Great Highway to cars. Fed-up drivers are organizing to fight the ballot measure.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240724-driverpolitics-tv0010-edited.jpg" alt="A group of people are gathered holding yellow signs that read &quot;Open the Great Highway&quot; in both English and Chinese. They are participating in a protest or rally." class="wp-image-292529"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Voters will decide in November whether to permanently close the Great Highway to cars. Fed-up drivers are organizing to fight the ballot measure.</figcaption></figure>

Road closures are not the only action that has triggered pushback from drivers. Bike lane installations, which may take away parking and reduce car lanes, have also caused a backlash.

Road closures are not the only action that has triggered pushback from drivers. Bike lane installations, which may take away parking and reduce car lanes, have also caused a backlash.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency hosted a town hall Wednesday night on its bike lane safety network, a citywide plan to make neighborhoods more bike-friendly. John Paul, a 77-year-old resident of the hilly Twin Peaks neighborhood, attended to express his frustration.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency hosted a town hall Wednesday night on its bike lane safety network, a citywide plan to make neighborhoods more bike-friendly. John Paul, a 77-year-old resident of the hilly Twin Peaks neighborhood, attended to express his frustration.

“I depend on a car and parking,” Paul said. “What happens is, I can’t end up getting around.” He said biking is not an option for seniors and those who live in hilly areas, and he sometimes has to drive to Daly City to buy groceries because it’s increasingly hard to find parking.

“I depend on a car and parking,” Paul said. “What happens is, I can’t end up getting around.” He said biking is not an option for seniors and those who live in hilly areas, and he sometimes has to drive to Daly City to buy groceries because it’s increasingly hard to find parking.

Paul said there’s a growing community of drivers upset with road and traffic changes, and he feels his voice is being drowned out by young bicycling advocates.

Paul said there’s a growing community of drivers upset with road and traffic changes, and he feels his voice is being drowned out by young bicycling advocates.

People rally to reopen the Great Highway to vehicles again in San Francisco, on May 1, 2021. Environmentally friendly San Francisco closed miles of streets to automobiles during the pandemic so that people could exercise and socialize safely. Other cities did the same, including Paris and New York. With the pandemic nearly over, advocates of walking and biking want to keep the streets off-limits to vehicles.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ap21139665935847.jpg?w=2500" alt="People are gathered at an intersection with signs protesting to &quot;Open the Great Highway,&quot; some standing on the roadside and others in a line across the street." class="wp-image-292533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People rally to reopen the Great Highway to vehicles during the pandemic in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ap21139665935847.jpg?w=2500" alt="People are gathered at an intersection with signs protesting to &quot;Open the Great Highway,&quot; some standing on the roadside and others in a line across the street." class="wp-image-292533"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People rally to reopen the Great Highway to vehicles during the pandemic in 2021.</figcaption></figure>

The recent controversy over the Valencia Street bike lane, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/valencia-street-bike-lane-redesign-merchants/">has been roundly criticized by</a> local merchants, has encouraged more motorists to speak out.&nbsp;

Valencia Street merchants push city to scrap controversial center bike lane

The recent controversy over the Valencia Street bike lane, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/valencia-street-bike-lane-redesign-merchants/">has been roundly criticized by</a> local merchants, has encouraged more motorists to speak out.&nbsp;

It’s not clear if those voices represent a majority, even in car-friendly west side neighborhoods. In 2022, San Francisco voters approved the permanent car ban on part of JFK Drive inside Golden Gate Park, a contentious fight that divided the west side. The Great Highway closure is likely to receive citywide support, too.

It’s not clear if those voices represent a majority, even in car-friendly west side neighborhoods. In 2022, San Francisco voters approved the permanent car ban on part of JFK Drive inside Golden Gate Park, a contentious fight that divided the west side. The Great Highway closure is likely to receive citywide support, too.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-takes-all">Winner takes all?</h2>

core/heading

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winner-takes-all">Winner takes all?</h2>

Lucas Lux, president of Friends of Great Highway Park, which supports&nbsp; the road closure, believes it shouldn’t be “a driver-versus-cyclist issue.”

Lucas Lux, president of Friends of Great Highway Park, which supports&nbsp; the road closure, believes it shouldn’t be “a driver-versus-cyclist issue.”

‘It’s about an oceanfront park for everybody, no matter how you get there,” Lux said.

‘It’s about an oceanfront park for everybody, no matter how you get there,” Lux said.

Cars or no cars? Voters to decide future of Great Highway

sf-standard/related-post

sf-standard/related-posts-container

Engardio, the supervisor of the Sunset and a major proponent of the ballot measure to transform the roadway to a park, said in an interview that both sides of the conflict have the same goal: a city that functions.

Engardio, the supervisor of the Sunset and a major proponent of the ballot measure to transform the roadway to a park, said in an interview that both sides of the conflict have the same goal: a city that functions.

“That means people need to get where they need to go in their car, and we also need better public transportation, safe streets for people to ride their bikes and cross so they don’t get hit by cars,” Engardio said.

“That means people need to get where they need to go in their car, and we also need better public transportation, safe streets for people to ride their bikes and cross so they don’t get hit by cars,” Engardio said.

He emphasized that the partial closure of the Great Highway, a two-mile way that runs from Lincoln to Sloat Boulevard, has little impact on drivers getting into the Sunset. He acknowledged that after a permanent closure, the city will need to come up with a better transportation design to make the Sunset a safer driving and walking environment.

He emphasized that the partial closure of the Great Highway, a two-mile way that runs from Lincoln to Sloat Boulevard, has little impact on drivers getting into the Sunset. He acknowledged that after a permanent closure, the city will need to come up with a better transportation design to make the Sunset a safer driving and walking environment.

Restaurant owner Tony Lee, right, sits in his car before driving through the protest route starting on Great Highway and Lincoln Way in the Sunset neighborhood on Thursday July 18, 2024. From bike lanes controversy to the Great Highway car ban, SF drivers are fighting back against the closure of the automobile ban along Highway 1.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240724-driverpolitics-tv0158-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men are seen in a car with a sign on the door that reads &quot;OPEN THE GREAT HIGHWAY&quot; in both English and Chinese. The man in the passenger seat gazes seriously." class="wp-image-292528"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunset District resident and restaurant owner Tony Lee, right, sits in his car with Louis Lam, who organized the event, before driving to protest on Great Highway.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240724-driverpolitics-tv0158-edited.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two men are seen in a car with a sign on the door that reads &quot;OPEN THE GREAT HIGHWAY&quot; in both English and Chinese. The man in the passenger seat gazes seriously." class="wp-image-292528"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunset District resident and restaurant owner Tony Lee, right, sits in his car with Louis Lam, who organized the event, before driving to protest on Great Highway.</figcaption></figure>

Selleck disagreed. She said she has witnessed more dangerous driving behavior in the district when the Great Highway is closed to cars during the weekends or on days when it’s covered by sand.

Selleck disagreed. She said she has witnessed more dangerous driving behavior in the district when the Great Highway is closed to cars during the weekends or on days when it’s covered by sand.

“There’s going to be a lot more accidents when this is closed down,” Selleck said.

“There’s going to be a lot more accidents when this is closed down,” Selleck said.

Connie Chan, the outspoken Richmond supervisor who opposes closures on both JFK Drive and the Great Highway, criticized the November ballot measure as a “top-down, winner-takes-all approach” that pits neighborhoods against one another.

Connie Chan, the outspoken Richmond supervisor who opposes closures on both JFK Drive and the Great Highway, criticized the November ballot measure as a “top-down, winner-takes-all approach” that pits neighborhoods against one another.

“This is a false-choice scenario in city planning instead of creating a compromise that works for all San Franciscans,” Chan said. “We are forcing a wedge issue onto voters.”

“This is a false-choice scenario in city planning instead of creating a compromise that works for all San Franciscans,” Chan said. “We are forcing a wedge issue onto voters.”

The new road rage: ‘Disrespect’ to drivers fuels an angry political movement

Joel Umanzor

Valencia Street business owners are calling on the city to overhaul the controversial center-running bike lane as transit officials consider redesigning the Mission District bikeway.

Valencia Street business owners are calling on the city to overhaul the controversial center-running bike lane as transit officials consider redesigning the Mission District bikeway.

In a letter submitted on Monday, the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association urged the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to replace <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">the center bike lane</a> with a side-running protected lane, restore left and right turns for vehicles, and prioritize the preservation of customer parking.

A bike lane moved, and this San Francisco neighborhood erupted

In a letter submitted on Monday, the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association urged the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to replace <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/08/san-francisco-small-business-protests-valencia-street-bike-lane/">the center bike lane</a> with a side-running protected lane, restore left and right turns for vehicles, and prioritize the preservation of customer parking.

&#8220;We have watched as dozens of our friends and neighbors have closed shop and know of a score more who are barely hanging on and likely to shutter in the coming months,&#8221; the letter read. &#8220;As Valencia represents the largest continuous stretch of independent merchants in the nation, it occupies a special space in the city and is worth saving.&#8221;

"We have watched as dozens of our friends and neighbors have closed shop and know of a score more who are barely hanging on and likely to shutter in the coming months," the letter read. "As Valencia represents the largest continuous stretch of independent merchants in the nation, it occupies a special space in the city and is worth saving."

&#8220;We have watched as dozens of our friends and neighbors have closed shop and know of a score more who are barely hanging on and likely to shutter in the coming months,&#8221; the letter read. &#8220;As Valencia represents the largest continuous stretch of independent merchants in the nation, it occupies a special space in the city and is worth saving.&#8221;

Among the key requests outlined in the letter are restoring commercial loading zones converted to parking during the pilot, assisting businesses in relocating parklets if needed, adding signage for nearby SFMTA parking lots and reimbursing merchants who are forced to demolish or rebuild parklets due to construction.

Among the key requests outlined in the letter are restoring commercial loading zones converted to parking during the pilot, assisting businesses in relocating parklets if needed, adding signage for nearby SFMTA parking lots and reimbursing merchants who are forced to demolish or rebuild parklets due to construction.

Business owners along Valencia Street in San Francisco’s Mission District have posted signs in their storefront windows that read “This Bike Lane is Killing Small Businesses and Our Vibrant Community” with a link to San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s website. The bicycle lanes, which have plastic bollards, firm barriers to protect cyclists from vehicular traffic and include a buffer zones on both sides have merchants frustrated as many believe that the lanes limit resident and customer access to the businesses that run along the corridor.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2500" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined03_20231204_valenciabikelane.jpg?w=2500" alt="A composite image of four signs in shop windows that show opposition to a bike lane." class="wp-image-228862"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Business owners along Valencia Street in San Francisco’s Mission District have posted signs in their storefront windows that read, “This Bike Lane is Killing Small Businesses and Our Vibrant Community.”</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/inlined03_20231204_valenciabikelane.jpg?w=2500" alt="A composite image of four signs in shop windows that show opposition to a bike lane." class="wp-image-228862"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Business owners along Valencia Street in San Francisco’s Mission District have posted signs in their storefront windows that read, “This Bike Lane is Killing Small Businesses and Our Vibrant Community.”</figcaption></figure>

The merchants also proposed reducing metered parking costs for six months during and after construction to attract customers, expediting the construction schedule, and timing new bike signals with green lights to prevent gridlock.

The merchants also proposed reducing metered parking costs for six months during and after construction to attract customers, expediting the construction schedule, and timing new bike signals with green lights to prevent gridlock.

SFMTA spokesperson Michael Roccaforte said in a statement that transit officials have been meeting with business owners in the corridor &#8220;to find solutions that meet business operational needs while improving the safe access and travel on Valencia Street.&#8221;

SFMTA spokesperson Michael Roccaforte said in a statement that transit officials have been meeting with business owners in the corridor "to find solutions that meet business operational needs while improving the safe access and travel on Valencia Street."

SFMTA spokesperson Michael Roccaforte said in a statement that transit officials have been meeting with business owners in the corridor &#8220;to find solutions that meet business operational needs while improving the safe access and travel on Valencia Street.&#8221;

&#8220;We’re taking a block-by-block approach to engage with these businesses and evaluate their diversity of needs that requires individual attention and dialogue with each owner and with each other to find the best solution to expand access to the curb and the Valencia Street corridor for everyone,&#8221; Roccaforte said.

"We’re taking a block-by-block approach to engage with these businesses and evaluate their diversity of needs that requires individual attention and dialogue with each owner and with each other to find the best solution to expand access to the curb and the Valencia Street corridor for everyone," Roccaforte said.

&#8220;We’re taking a block-by-block approach to engage with these businesses and evaluate their diversity of needs that requires individual attention and dialogue with each owner and with each other to find the best solution to expand access to the curb and the Valencia Street corridor for everyone,&#8221; Roccaforte said.

In February, transit officials announced they were mulling changes that included a side-running protected bikeway similar to what they had initially proposed when the pilot program was introduced in 2018. An update on what is next for the project is expected this summer.

In February, transit officials announced they were mulling changes that included a side-running protected bikeway similar to what they had initially proposed when the pilot program was introduced in 2018. An update on what is next for the project is expected this summer.

Ever since the agency installed the center bike lane in August 2023, local business owners and others have criticized the project, claiming it has negatively impacted customer access and contributed to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-bar-closes-blaming-valencia-bike-lane/">a wave of closures</a> along the corridor. But officials and advocates say moving the bike lane into the middle of the roadway has improved cyclist and pedestrian safety, which was the whole point of the project to begin with.

San Francisco bar and music venue closes, blaming controversial bike lane

Ever since the agency installed the center bike lane in August 2023, local business owners and others have criticized the project, claiming it has negatively impacted customer access and contributed to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/30/san-francisco-bar-closes-blaming-valencia-bike-lane/">a wave of closures</a> along the corridor. But officials and advocates say moving the bike lane into the middle of the roadway has improved cyclist and pedestrian safety, which was the whole point of the project to begin with.

In its letter, the association said its recommendations are aimed at making Valencia “both safe and sustainable.”

In its letter, the association said its recommendations are aimed at making Valencia “both safe and sustainable.”

“We love this city and have a common goal of preserving one of San Francisco’s iconic streets,” the letter read. “We sincerely hope you will consider these requests with the requisite care, concern, and speed they deserve.”

“We love this city and have a common goal of preserving one of San Francisco’s iconic streets,” the letter read. “We sincerely hope you will consider these requests with the requisite care, concern, and speed they deserve.”

Transit activist Luke Bornheimer applauded the letter, saying he would welcome SFMTA moving the protected bike lane away from the center of the street.

Transit activist Luke Bornheimer applauded the letter, saying he would welcome SFMTA moving the protected bike lane away from the center of the street.

&#8220;Curbside protected bike lanes are proven to be safer and more effective than center bikeways and curbside parklets intuitively increase safety, comfort and the dining/shopping experience,&#8221; Bornheimer said.

"Curbside protected bike lanes are proven to be safer and more effective than center bikeways and curbside parklets intuitively increase safety, comfort and the dining/shopping experience," Bornheimer said.

&#8220;Curbside protected bike lanes are proven to be safer and more effective than center bikeways and curbside parklets intuitively increase safety, comfort and the dining/shopping experience,&#8221; Bornheimer said.

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

BART trains arriving once an hour. Muni light rail abandoning entire swaths of San Francisco. AC Transit buses rusting by the dozens in Oakland yards.

BART trains arriving once an hour. Muni light rail abandoning entire swaths of San Francisco. AC Transit buses rusting by the dozens in Oakland yards.

Bay Area leaders are launching an effort to prevent what they call a dark future for regional transit. 

Bay Area leaders are launching an effort to prevent what they call a dark future for regional transit.

State senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín on Monday announced a sales tax proposal to fund regional transit. 

State senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín on Monday announced a sales tax proposal to fund regional transit.

&#8220;If we do nothing, we will see massive, devastating service cuts,&#8221; Wiener said. &#8220;BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit. These systems will be shadows of what they were.&#8221;

"If we do nothing, we will see massive, devastating service cuts," Wiener said. "BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit. These systems will be shadows of what they were."

&#8220;If we do nothing, we will see massive, devastating service cuts,&#8221; Wiener said. &#8220;BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit. These systems will be shadows of what they were.&#8221;

To steer clear of that future, the Connect Bay Area Act, or Senate Bill 63, proposes a 2026 ballot measure to approve a tax in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. The sales tax would be half a cent in the participating Bay Area counties, with an option for San Francisco to raise it to 1 cent for additional Muni funding. 

To steer clear of that future, the Connect Bay Area Act, or Senate Bill 63, proposes a 2026 ballot measure to approve a tax in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. The sales tax would be half a cent in the participating Bay Area counties, with an option for San Francisco to raise it to 1 cent for additional Muni funding.

Muni and BART are on life support. Here are the taxes you might pay to save them

Bussing downtown? Good luck. Muni to snip routes to save money

BART has fancy new fare gates. Determined evaders are still getting through

San Mateo and Santa Clara counties could opt in to the tax by the end of July. That’s also the deadline for local transit agencies to map out their plans for the funding. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, however, <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11985190/south-bays-vta-says-it-cant-back-regional-transit-tax-measure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has come out against the measure</a>, saying it would interfere with its ability to renew local sales taxes.

San Mateo and Santa Clara counties could opt in to the tax by the end of July. That’s also the deadline for local transit agencies to map out their plans for the funding. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, however, <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11985190/south-bays-vta-says-it-cant-back-regional-transit-tax-measure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has come out against the measure</a>, saying it would interfere with its ability to renew local sales taxes.

Transit agencies have yet to fully recover from pandemic-era ridership plunges. Muni&#8217;s ridership continues to climb, though it remains at 75% of pre-pandemic levels. BART, which used to be so crowded that finding a seat on commute mornings was low-stakes warfare, last year was at half of its pre-pandemic ridership levels in peak times. 

Transit agencies have yet to fully recover from pandemic-era ridership plunges. Muni's ridership continues to climb, though it remains at 75% of pre-pandemic levels. BART, which used to be so crowded that finding a seat on commute mornings was low-stakes warfare, last year was at half of its pre-pandemic ridership levels in peak times.

Transit agencies have yet to fully recover from pandemic-era ridership plunges. Muni&#8217;s ridership continues to climb, though it remains at 75% of pre-pandemic levels. BART, which used to be so crowded that finding a seat on commute mornings was low-stakes warfare, last year was at half of its pre-pandemic ridership levels in peak times.

Transit agencies faced dire times in 2023, but Wiener and other lawmakers secured $1.1 billion in emergency funds. That money runs out in 2026.&nbsp;

Transit agencies faced dire times in 2023, but Wiener and other lawmakers secured $1.1 billion in emergency funds. That money runs out in 2026.&nbsp;

Some of those agencies faced decades-long disinvestment that were worsened by the pandemic. Facing declining revenue, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency directed staff to prepare to curtail downtown Muni lines and raise minimum prices at parking meters citywide.

Some of those agencies faced decades-long disinvestment that were worsened by the pandemic. Facing declining revenue, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency directed staff to prepare to curtail downtown Muni lines and raise minimum prices at parking meters citywide.

The stakes are consequential. Lawmakers agree: San Francisco&#8217;s downtown revival is impossible without robust transit to bring in workers from outlying neighborhoods and cities. 

The stakes are consequential. Lawmakers agree: San Francisco's downtown revival is impossible without robust transit to bring in workers from outlying neighborhoods and cities.

The stakes are consequential. Lawmakers agree: San Francisco&#8217;s downtown revival is impossible without robust transit to bring in workers from outlying neighborhoods and cities.

That carries consequences for the city&#8217;s tax base, too. Without robust downtown businesses, the city&#8217;s deficit has expanded to a whopping $840 million. Mayor Daniel Lurie ordered departments to make 15% cuts in the latest budget.

That carries consequences for the city's tax base, too. Without robust downtown businesses, the city's deficit has expanded to a whopping $840 million. Mayor Daniel Lurie ordered departments to make 15% cuts in the latest budget.

That carries consequences for the city&#8217;s tax base, too. Without robust downtown businesses, the city&#8217;s deficit has expanded to a whopping $840 million. Mayor Daniel Lurie ordered departments to make 15% cuts in the latest budget.

Without a new funding source, BART may make &#8220;draconian&#8221; service cuts, said Edward Wright, who represents San Francisco on the BART Board of Directors. The service <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/financials/crisis">may not run after 9 p.m.</a>, entire stations could close, weekend service could end, and the agency could face mass layoffs.

Without a new funding source, BART may make "draconian" service cuts, said Edward Wright, who represents San Francisco on the BART Board of Directors. The service <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/financials/crisis">may not run after 9 p.m.</a>, entire stations could close, weekend service could end, and the agency could face mass layoffs.

Without a new funding source, BART may make &#8220;draconian&#8221; service cuts, said Edward Wright, who represents San Francisco on the BART Board of Directors. The service <a href="https://www.bart.gov/about/financials/crisis">may not run after 9 p.m.</a>, entire stations could close, weekend service could end, and the agency could face mass layoffs.

&#8220;BART is facing its greatest existential challenge we&#8217;ve faced since the system was created,&#8221; he said.

"BART is facing its greatest existential challenge we've faced since the system was created," he said.

&#8220;BART is facing its greatest existential challenge we&#8217;ve faced since the system was created,&#8221; he said.

In a blog post describing its dire budget need, BART officials said the problem isn’t the number of riders — most of them have returned. Many of them are hybrid workers, however, and ride BART less frequently, challenging the agency’s finances.

In a blog post describing its dire budget need, BART officials said the problem isn’t the number of riders — most of them have returned. Many of them are hybrid workers, however, and ride BART less frequently, challenging the agency’s finances.

Motorists have reason to care about the sales tax, too, Wright added.

Motorists have reason to care about the sales tax, too, Wright added.

&#8220;Even if you&#8217;re someone who never steps foot on BART, you don&#8217;t want everyone who rides it every day suddenly competing with you for parking spaces or clogging up the Bay Bridge when you&#8217;re trying to get to work,&#8221; he said.

"Even if you're someone who never steps foot on BART, you don't want everyone who rides it every day suddenly competing with you for parking spaces or clogging up the Bay Bridge when you're trying to get to work," he said.

&#8220;Even if you&#8217;re someone who never steps foot on BART, you don&#8217;t want everyone who rides it every day suddenly competing with you for parking spaces or clogging up the Bay Bridge when you&#8217;re trying to get to work,&#8221; he said.

Opinion: Demolish the Central Freeway. Build homes, parks and transit

The new road rage: ‘Disrespect’ to drivers fuels an angry political movement

Valencia Street merchants push city to scrap controversial center bike lane

Bay Area leaders pitch sales tax to save BART, Muni, regional transit

Waymo’s plan to encourage public transit use? Providing credit on its app

Search Results for: transit

Opinion: Demolish the Central Freeway. Build homes, parks and transit

The new road rage: ‘Disrespect’ to drivers fuels an angry political movement

Valencia Street merchants push city to scrap controversial center bike lane

Bay Area leaders pitch sales tax to save BART, Muni, regional transit

Waymo’s plan to encourage public transit use? Providing credit on its app