DoorDash has developed its first autonomous delivery robot named Dot, which can carry multiple pizzas and may soon be used for food and grocery delivery in suburban bike lanes.
A San Francisco business owner has started a hunger strike to protest the negative impact of a new protected bike lane on Valencia Street, claiming that it has led to a loss of business due to reduced parking. The bike lane is part of a pilot project to protect cyclists, but the owner argues that it has caused closures of several businesses in the area. While some bicyclists support the lanes, the business owner is calling for the city to remove the bike lane and work on a better solution. The city's transportation agency has stated that it is collaborating with businesses to find solutions that benefit both businesses and bicyclists.
San Francisco restaurant owner, Eiad Eltawil, is on a 30-day hunger strike to protest a new bike lane on Valencia Street, which he claims is driving away businesses. The controversial bike lane, completed eight months ago, has led to the closure of a dozen businesses. Eltawil and other business owners have filed claims against the city, demanding the immediate removal of the bike lane and compensation for losses. Despite the city's aim to improve bicycle safety, the bike lane has reportedly led to more accidents, and local merchants are calling for its removal.
A six-month trial of a new bike lane on San Francisco's Valencia Street has sparked controversy, with some business owners, including Eiad Eltawil, going on a hunger strike to protest the lane's impact on their businesses. They argue that the bike lane has led to a loss of parking spaces and increased financial burdens. While the city's Municipal Transportation Agency views the lane as a work in progress, the situation has caused division among cyclists and business owners, with concerns raised about the lane's effect on businesses and the need for ongoing collaboration to find solutions that benefit both businesses and bicyclists.
A 22-year-old motorist allegedly struck and killed a man seated on his bike in a bike lane on Southeast Belmont Street in Portland, then fled the scene but was apprehended by police after being held by several people.
Business owners, local residents, and cyclists protested against the controversial Valencia center bike lane in San Francisco, calling for the resignation of the director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). The lane, which has been in a 12-month trial period, has faced criticism for the loss of parking spaces and difficulties for cars. Some business owners reported a decline in foot traffic and problems with unloading supplies. While studies have shown positive impacts of protected bike lanes on local businesses, anecdotal evidence suggests that business owners along Valencia Street have not experienced these benefits. The SFMTA is collecting data to evaluate the success of the bike lane.
San Francisco bar and live music venue Amado's has closed, with the owner blaming a controversial center-running bike lane on Valencia Street for an 80% drop in sales. The owner, David Quinby, stated that the lack of parking due to the bike lane made it difficult for musicians to perform at the bar. Transit advocates have also criticized the bike lane, citing safety concerns. However, it remains unclear to what extent the bike lane versus a major flood that occurred earlier in the year contributed to the closure. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency defended the bike lane, stating that it aims to improve safety and has made efforts to accommodate small businesses.
A proposed center bike lane on Valencia Street in San Francisco has received mixed reactions from local businesses. A survey of 82 businesses found that 60% were unaware of the project, while of those who were familiar with it, 10 were supportive, 14 were against it, and eight had no view. The plan, which will add center bike lanes and ban left turns, will also replace around 70 parking spots with additional loading zones. Many merchants expressed concerns about the safety of biking in a middle lane and the loss of already limited parking spots for their customers.