The controversial central cycle path on Valencia Street, which separated entrepreneurs and cyclists, will return to the curb.
SFMTA approved a new design for the track on Tuesday. Christopher John De La Cruz, a veteran cyclist, said the decision couldn’t come soon enough.
“When they moved the bike lane in the middle, like I was initially, I was excited because, you know, okay, that seems pretty cool,” De La Cruz said. “It’s a lot more streamlined. But as time went on, it became quite annoying because I have to wait at the traffic light so I can just go through the middle.”
De La Cruz said the middle lane was a good idea in theory, but not so much in practice. He told KPIX that navigating traffic lights, pedestrians and left turns actually made for a much more dangerous commute. Additionally, he feels that traditional curbside bike lanes are much easier for drivers to understand.
“I think it’s safer on the side because you only have to look at one side of the road because there are cars on your left,” De La Cruz said. “Yes, it’s always on your left, compared to when you’re in the middle you have to watch out for those on your left.”
After nearly three hours of public comment, the SFMTA board approved a plan to restore two-lane traffic and push the bike lanes to the curb on Valencia Street at 15th and 23rd. Parks and parking lots will form a barrier for cyclists using the new cycle path. In total, the new design will keep 26 parks in place, with the rest being moved in January when construction begins.
Some cyclists who attended the meeting are still concerned that the side lanes will not be safe. But some business owners praised the decision.
Leah Martin, the owner of Nowhere, a clothing store in Valencia, said the center bike lane is inconvenient for some businesses along the strip, who say it makes parking difficult for customers. While she says her business will be good, she hopes the new job will alleviate some of the frustration.
Ultimately, she said every design has pros and cons.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a perfect solution to this problem. And I think either way someone is going to be upset with the outcome,” Martin said.
Construction of the track will begin in January and is expected to take approximately two to three months.
