The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network

The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network
By Benjamin Barnett

We are very excited to be moving forward with the third phase Slow Streets, which will connect new and existing Slow Streets together into a network that allows most San Franciscans to be able to access essential services and employment without being reliant on either a car or Muni.

With Muni’s reduced capacity due to COVID-19 physical distancing, an additional 30 percent of service on hold due to financial challenges, and congestion already reaching peak pre-COVID levels, Slow Streets and our bicycling network are key to supporting people getting where they need to go.

“In order to support further reopening of the economy, we need to make San Francisco more welcoming and accessible for people who want to travel on foot, bicycle, wheelchair, scooter, skateboard or other forms of micromobility,” said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Slow Streets are critical infrastructure that attracts users of the full array of neighborhood demographics—including children, older adults, people with disabilities and people of color.”

Slow Streets have been wildly successful, and survey data indicates an 80 percent approval rating. The next phase of our Slow Streets program is now being reviewed and approved so we can expand the popular program more broadly across our city and make it accessible to all.

Traveling by car may feel more enticing in the COVID-19 era but driving takes up ten times as much space per person compared to travel by walking, biking and other modes. In addition, approximately one in ten car trips in San Francisco are under a mile and 46 percent are less than three miles – trips that for many are prime to be done in other ways given comfortable space. Taking short trips to neighborhood business corridors on foot or by bike is also a great way to support our local economy during these difficult economic times for small business.

Pending approval, the proposed Phase Three Slow Streets would install temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections along the following additional corridors:

• 20th Street from San Bruno to Pennsylvania avenues
• Arkansas from 23rd to 17th streets
• Arlington from Roanoke to Randall streets
• Cabrillo Street from 45th to 23rd avenues
• Cayuga Avenue from Naglee Avenue to Rousseau Street
• Clay Street from Arguello Boulevard to Steiner Street
• Duncan Street from Diamond Heights Boulevard to Tiffany Avenue
• Holly Park Circle
• Mariposa from Texas to Mississippi streets
• Minnesota from Mariposa to 22nd streets
• Noe Street from 23rd to Duboce streets
• Pacific Avenue from Steiner to Gough streets
• Pierce from Hayes to Duboce streets
• Tompkins Avenue from Andover Street to Peralta Avenue

Map of currently implemented and proposed Phase 3 Slow Streets along with a Shared Spaces street closure. Also included is our bike network highlighting separated bikeways, approved projects and those in the design pipeline.

We’re also interested in making sure all San Franciscans--particularly children from low income families--have access to open space. That’s why we’re extending the 30 Stockton to Crissy Field and creating a continuous, family-friendly path from the Panhandle to the Zoo. We are grateful for the support of Rec & Park for helping us allocate space in Golden Gate Park so that more San Franciscans can safely access open space, especially given the unique COVID-19 transmission science.

“Having room to safely exercise outdoors is critical for our mental and physical health,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, "Golden Gate Park is an oasis for socially distant recreation and I am thrilled this phase of Slow Streets extend a car-free path of travel all the way to the ocean.”

Shared Spaces

Our map also highlights two full street closures in final review as a part of the Shared Spaces program. This program allows businesses, merchant groups and community organizations to apply to open streets to support business activities as part of COVID-19 economic recovery. This includes full street closures or changes like repurposing parking in front of a business. Some possible uses include outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, retail displays, or sales and service offerings.

Starting this Saturday, July 18, Grant Avenue between California and Washington streets in Chinatown is to be open for community activity on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are more Shared Spaces applications being analyzed throughout the city and we will continue to support local business activities through this innovative program.

What’s Next?

We’ve been tailoring our approaches to the needs of each neighborhood and supervisorial district. In District 3, for example, we’ve been focused on Shared Spaces to help merchants and restoration of Muni service to neighborhoods with the highest transit demand in the city. In Bayview, Hunters Point, and Visitacion Valley in District 10, we’ve been focused not only on restoring pre-COVID Muni service, but also in-service transit improvements to neighborhoods most lacking in local services, and in the greatest need of access to employment and other opportunities.

Slow Streets Project Background

Within weeks of the mayor’s declaration of shelter-in-place directive, the SFMTA began planning for and implementing temporary emergency Slow Streets to provide additional space for physical distancing during essential active transportation trips. These Slow Streets were approved through the city’s emergency operation command system, including review from other agencies across the city, and with an emergency statutory exemption under CEQA. They were implemented with temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections to identify the street as a shared space for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

The Slow Streets Program is intended to allow roadways to be used as a shared space for foot and bicycle traffic with adequate space for travelers to maintain six-foot separation. This space is needed for essential walk and bike travel while transit service levels are temporarily reduced. Vehicle traffic is allowed on these streets but is limited to local traffic (e.g. access for residents and visitors of residents), mail, delivery services and emergency vehicle access. Collectively, the bicycle network, Slow Streets, Shared Spaces, and our existing sidewalk system provides more options for many.

Slow Streets don’t work everywhere. Successful Slow Streets generally have these qualities:

• Approximately 6-8 blocks long
• No more than two lanes, preferably one in each direction
• Residential areas
• Mostly flat
• Connections to bike lanes and parks
• Stop sign-controlled intersections, 4-way stops are best
• No Muni, commercial loading or emergency route conflicts

Slow Streets does not legally change the designation of the public right-of-way; people walking or running in the street are allowed to be in the street as the California Vehicle Code currently permits, but people walking or running are required to yield to vehicular traffic.

Slow Streets are for essential trips, not neighborhood gathering points. We also encourage everyone to follow current health guidelines, bring a face covering and maintain proper physical distance from people outside their households. 

For updates, additional information and to provide input on the SFMTA’s Slow Street Program, visit the program webpage at SFMTA.com/SlowStreets. Please also visit SFMTA.com/COVID19 for the latest agency updates about our COVID-19 response. 

Published July 17, 2020 at 01:00AM
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The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network

The Third Phase of Slow Streets Rolls Out a Network
By Phillip Pierce

We are very excited to be moving forward with the third phase Slow Streets, which will connect new and existing Slow Streets together into a network that allows most San Franciscans to be able to access essential services and employment without being reliant on either a car or Muni.

With Muni’s reduced capacity due to COVID-19 physical distancing, an additional 30 percent of service on hold due to financial challenges, and congestion already reaching peak pre-COVID levels, Slow Streets and our bicycling network are key to supporting people getting where they need to go.

“In order to support further reopening of the economy, we need to make San Francisco more welcoming and accessible for people who want to travel on foot, bicycle, wheelchair, scooter, skateboard or other forms of micromobility,” said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Slow Streets are critical infrastructure that attracts users of the full array of neighborhood demographics—including children, older adults, people with disabilities and people of color.”

Slow Streets have been wildly successful, and survey data indicates an 80 percent approval rating. The next phase of our Slow Streets program is now being reviewed and approved so we can expand the popular program more broadly across our city and make it accessible to all.

Traveling by car may feel more enticing in the COVID-19 era but driving takes up ten times as much space per person compared to travel by walking, biking and other modes. In addition, approximately one in ten car trips in San Francisco are under a mile and 46 percent are less than three miles – trips that for many are prime to be done in other ways given comfortable space. Taking short trips to neighborhood business corridors on foot or by bike is also a great way to support our local economy during these difficult economic times for small business.

Pending approval, the proposed Phase Three Slow Streets would install temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections along the following additional corridors:

• 20th Street from San Bruno to Pennsylvania avenues
• Arkansas from 23rd to 17th streets
• Arlington from Roanoke to Randall streets
• Cabrillo Street from 45th to 23rd avenues
• Cayuga Avenue from Naglee Avenue to Rousseau Street
• Clay Street from Arguello Boulevard to Steiner Street
• Duncan Street from Diamond Heights Boulevard to Tiffany Avenue
• Holly Park Circle
• Mariposa from Texas to Mississippi streets
• Minnesota from Mariposa to 22nd streets
• Noe Street from 23rd to Duboce streets
• Pacific Avenue from Steiner to Gough streets
• Pierce from Hayes to Duboce streets
• Tompkins Avenue from Andover Street to Peralta Avenue

Map of currently implemented and proposed Phase 3 Slow Streets along with a Shared Spaces street closure. Also included is our bike network highlighting separated bikeways, approved projects and those in the design pipeline.

We’re also interested in making sure all San Franciscans--particularly children from low income families--have access to open space. That’s why we’re extending the 30 Stockton to Crissy Field and creating a continuous, family-friendly path from the Panhandle to the Zoo. We are grateful for the support of Rec & Park for helping us allocate space in Golden Gate Park so that more San Franciscans can safely access open space, especially given the unique COVID-19 transmission science.

“Having room to safely exercise outdoors is critical for our mental and physical health,” said San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg, "Golden Gate Park is an oasis for socially distant recreation and I am thrilled this phase of Slow Streets extend a car-free path of travel all the way to the ocean.”

Shared Spaces

Our map also highlights two full street closures in final review as a part of the Shared Spaces program. This program allows businesses, merchant groups and community organizations to apply to open streets to support business activities as part of COVID-19 economic recovery. This includes full street closures or changes like repurposing parking in front of a business. Some possible uses include outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, retail displays, or sales and service offerings.

Starting this Saturday, July 18, Grant Avenue between California and Washington streets in Chinatown is to be open for community activity on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are more Shared Spaces applications being analyzed throughout the city and we will continue to support local business activities through this innovative program.

What’s Next?

We’ve been tailoring our approaches to the needs of each neighborhood and supervisorial district. In District 3, for example, we’ve been focused on Shared Spaces to help merchants and restoration of Muni service to neighborhoods with the highest transit demand in the city. In Bayview, Hunters Point, and Visitacion Valley in District 10, we’ve been focused not only on restoring pre-COVID Muni service, but also in-service transit improvements to neighborhoods most lacking in local services, and in the greatest need of access to employment and other opportunities.

Slow Streets Project Background

Within weeks of the mayor’s declaration of shelter-in-place directive, the SFMTA began planning for and implementing temporary emergency Slow Streets to provide additional space for physical distancing during essential active transportation trips. These Slow Streets were approved through the city’s emergency operation command system, including review from other agencies across the city, and with an emergency statutory exemption under CEQA. They were implemented with temporary barricades and signage at designated intersections to identify the street as a shared space for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

The Slow Streets Program is intended to allow roadways to be used as a shared space for foot and bicycle traffic with adequate space for travelers to maintain six-foot separation. This space is needed for essential walk and bike travel while transit service levels are temporarily reduced. Vehicle traffic is allowed on these streets but is limited to local traffic (e.g. access for residents and visitors of residents), mail, delivery services and emergency vehicle access. Collectively, the bicycle network, Slow Streets, Shared Spaces, and our existing sidewalk system provides more options for many.

Slow Streets don’t work everywhere. Successful Slow Streets generally have these qualities:

• Approximately 6-8 blocks long
• No more than two lanes, preferably one in each direction
• Residential areas
• Mostly flat
• Connections to bike lanes and parks
• Stop sign-controlled intersections, 4-way stops are best
• No Muni, commercial loading or emergency route conflicts

Slow Streets does not legally change the designation of the public right-of-way; people walking or running in the street are allowed to be in the street as the California Vehicle Code currently permits, but people walking or running are required to yield to vehicular traffic.

Slow Streets are for essential trips, not neighborhood gathering points. We also encourage everyone to follow current health guidelines, bring a face covering and maintain proper physical distance from people outside their households. 

For updates, additional information and to provide input on the SFMTA’s Slow Street Program, visit the program webpage at SFMTA.com/SlowStreets. Please also visit SFMTA.com/COVID19 for the latest agency updates about our COVID-19 response. 

Published July 17, 2020 at 01:00AM
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New Muni Metro Map Debuts to Support Major Railway Changes in August

New Muni Metro Map Debuts to Support Major Railway Changes in August
By Jeanne Brophy

As part of the Muni service changes scheduled for August we’ve moved forward with applying the upcoming changes to the Muni Metro system map to provide a visual reference.

As a temporary emergency measure, the L Taraval and K Ingleside will become one line at West Portal. This practice, known as “interlining” in transportation planning, will result in a new line; the LK Taraval-Ingleside. The line will no longer enter the subway at West Portal station and, as a result, West Portal will become a significant transfer point.

The LK Taraval-Ingleside route will run on the surface between the SF Zoo and City College at Balboa Park Station. At West Portal, LK Taraval-Ingleside customers traveling to points downtown will exit the train on the surface at West Portal and Ulloa and enter the station to transfer to the new temporary TM Third-Ocean View line or S Shuttle. Customers transferring from the subway will be directed towards the L-portion (westbound) or the K-portion (eastbound).

Other changes you see in the map include:

• The LK Taraval-Ingleside line will use one color to ensure customers understand that the journey from the SF Zoo to Balboa Park can be completed without changing trains.   
• Accessible transfer stops are highlighted with black outlines.
• Church Street Station will be the new transfer point for the J Church. Customers will disembark on Market St. and go underground to transfer to the subway for points downtown or exit the subway to the street to head towards Balboa Park.
• The TM Third-Ocean View line will also be combined however, instead of using one color it is still split into two colors to indicate that eventually the T Third will join the new Central Subway.
• New frequent service with the S Shuttle is now indicated on the map to highlight its availability in the system.  
• BART connections have been included as part of the city rail network given that customers also make use of the service and allows for an alternate transportation choice for quick trips within the city, along with its regional transportation role.

We are interested in hearing from you on these new, temporary system changes. We will work with the community to evaluate and make any adjustments that are needed to the temporary configuration based on public feedback and data monitoring. Please use our feedback form and tell us what you think.

Published July 14, 2020 at 10:54PM
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How the SFMTA is Supporting Small Businesses

How the SFMTA is Supporting Small Businesses 
By Bradley Dunn

The SFMTA, along with our city agency partners, is committed to working with local businesses to protect public health and ensure our transportation system supports a strong economic recovery. Small businesses are the lifeblood of San Francisco and as we work to recover, working with businesses is a key part of our Transportation Recovery Plan. 

Below are some of the ways the SFMTA is partnering with other city agencies to support businesses. 

Shared Spaces 

To support small businesses, the SFMTA is working with agency partners to fast track permits enabling businesses to utilize the public right-of-way for their operations. The Shared Spaces effort includes using the curb along requesting business frontages to provide space for curbside pickup and delivery, outdoor dining or physical distancing where queues form. Note that not every business’s application will meet the criteria. Learn more about the program and apply here.   

Parking Enforcement 

As economic activity increases, we are supporting parking availability and curb access as a strategy to provide access to commercial corridors and local small businesses. Our goal is to set parking meter rates so that one or two spaces of parking is available on every block. That way patrons can visit local businesses without needing to circle to find parking, saving customers time and reducing frustration, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

While meter rates vary throughout San Francisco, our plan restores meter prices to near pre-COVID-19 levels with a $0.50/hour decrease. We will also be restoring pre-COVID parking meter time limits enabling customers critical to the health of small businesses to access commercial corridors.   

Our approach to recovery is driven by data and parking is no different. We hope to accelerate the demand-responsive pricing process to be flexible and tailor our parking policies to best serve the businesses in each commercial corridor. We typically reevaluate and adjust meter prices (whether up, down or staying the same) based on demand data every three months by $0.25. We plan on speeding that process up to every six weeks so we can better reflect San Francisco’s changing needs as the economy reopens.  

Transit  

If just a fraction of the people riding transit before the health crisis begins driving alone, congestion will be so bad that it will cripple San Francisco’s economic recovery. Without helping employees and customers move about San Francisco, small businesses will suffer. 

As the health orders allow more activity, we will be increasing Muni service and installing temporary emergency transit lanes to help reducing crowding. Transit lanes allow buses to complete their routes faster. This enables us to minimize the risk for employees and customers that must use Muni for essential trips, with minimal resources.  

When Muni Metro service returns in August, we will implement temporary changes that address longstanding reliability challenges created by having all our rail lines entering the Metro tunnels. This operational structure has caused delays for employees getting to and from work for years. By linking the L Taraval and K Ingelside (with transfers for Downtown customers at West Portal) and having the J Church terminate at Duboce and Church (where customers can transfer to the N Judah and go downtown), we can reduce delays in the subway. These changes will be automatically removed 120 days after the emergency order is lifted unless there is a public process to make the improvements permanent. We will be getting public input about these improvements and evaluating their effectiveness to inform potential long term changes. 

Slow Streets 

To provide more space for people to bicycle or walk around their neighborhood, including to their local commercial corridors, we have implemented 24 miles of Slow Streets with an additional 10 miles to come. These traffic-calmed streets provide more space for bicycling and walking, enabling space on Muni to be used for essential trips by people who have no other options. We hope that these streets encourage San Franciscans to shop in their neighborhood and support local businesses. 

Additional Resources 

If you run a small business, there are additional City and County of San Francisco resources for small businesses to help during this time. You can find information on Small Business loans and grants; information about how to safely get back to business in the new normal; opportunities to defer business taxes and licensing fees; accessing free COVID-19 testing for essential employees and resources for self-employed individuals at oewd.org/covid19. We look forward to continuing our work with small businesses as we support the city’s recovery efforts. 

Published July 14, 2020 at 02:34AM
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