San Francisco could be ditching its controversial center-running bike lanes

Valencia Street’s experimental bike pilot project with separated bike lanes running down the center of the street could be coming to a close, according to a new report from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority.

The pilot initiative, which saw the installation of a unique center-running bikeway along Valencia between 15th and 23rd streets, aimed to address dual concerns: creating a secure bike lane while preserving vital loading zones, parking spaces, and curbside parklets important for local businesses.

Some early assessments, according to SFMTA, indicate encouraging results, with the center-running lane effectively reducing conflicts between cyclists and motorists. Notably, the new configuration has led to fewer instances of vehicles obstructing bike lanes and causing dooring incidents, resulting in a notably smoother and safer riding experience for cyclists.

However, the report also indicated a whopping 11 collisions during the three-month study period, half of which occurring as a result of car drivers making illegal left or u-turns. Those numbers included Jian Huang, an 80-year-old pedestrian hit and killed by a driver on Sept. 20, 2023.

“We’re revisiting the feasibility of a side-running protected bikeway, similar to what we had originally proposed. But it can’t happen overnight,” read the SFMTA report issued on Feb 16. “Before we finalize any new proposal, we’re going out to talk with community members about the benefits and tradeoffs of a side-running design.”

Sustainable transportation advocate Luke Bornheimer, the organizer behind the grassroots ‘Better Valencia’ campaign, applauded SFMTA pivoting to curbside protected bike lane designs for Valencia Street.

Valencia Street (photo: SFMTA report)

“I’m glad to see SFMTA pivoting towards a curbside protected bike lane design, which will be better for business and everyone’s safety as proven countless times in cities around the world, including multiple times in New York City,” he said, in a press release.

A big concern before the decision to move the protected bike lanes to the center of the street came from local business and the familiar refrain of losing customers if parking spaces are eliminated. However, studies have shown that protected bike lanes are actually good for local business. Something Bornheimer also agrees with.

“Curbside protected bike lanes help more people shift trips to bikes and make it easier for more people to shop at local businesses, which is critically needed on Valencia,” said Bornheimer, citing positive results in New York City as one example.

In the coming year, deliberations regarding a potential transition to a side-running protected bikeway, akin to the original proposal, will be revisited, with community input playing a pivotal role in shaping the corridor’s future direction.

SFTA also noted it would explore other long-term design options such as converting Valencia into a pedestrian promenade.

For now, Bornheimer is urging SFTA to get ride of the center lanes and move to the side-running protected lanes as soon as possible.