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.
Business owners along Valencia Street in San Francisco are expressing frustration with a pilot bike lane program, claiming that it is negatively impacting their businesses. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) acknowledges the issue and is seeking a solution to balance the safety of cyclists with the needs of local businesses. Some business owners are considering breaking up the SFMTA or advocating for changes in leadership. The SFMTA director emphasizes the importance of working together to address concerns rather than dismantling the entire department.
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.
Restaurant owners on Valencia Street in San Francisco are struggling due to crime, drug abuse, low tourism, and the removal of parking spaces. Many businesses have been forced to shut down, with owners reporting significant declines in customers and revenue. The lack of parking and controversial bike lane program have further impacted businesses. The Valencia Merchants Association conducted a survey revealing year-over-year dips as severe as 50% in business activity. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development is working with local shop owners to attract foot traffic and provide support for restoration and improvements.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will install a center-running bikeway on Valencia Street in the Mission District, which will feature bus lane curbs, plastic bollards, and delineators meant to separate the bike lanes from car traffic. The 12-month pilot program will prohibit left turns and right turns at red lights on an eight-block stretch of Valencia and remove 71 metered parking spaces to make room for more “dual use” and loading zones. The changes aim to improve traffic safety, but some bicyclists and pedestrians want to see protected curbside bike lanes or a complete closure to car traffic on Valencia Street.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will install a center-running bikeway on Valencia Street in the Mission District, which will feature bus lane curbs, plastic bollards, and delineators meant to separate the bike lanes from car traffic. The 12-month pilot program will prohibit left turns and right turns at red lights on an eight-block stretch of Valencia and remove 71 metered parking spaces to make room for more “dual use” and loading zones. The changes aim to improve traffic safety, but some bicyclists and pedestrians want to see protected curbside bike lanes or a complete closure to car traffic on Valencia Street.
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.
