After three years, it’s decision time. Tomorrow on March 3, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board of Directors will determine whether to approve proposed plans for improving Polk Street.
The question we hope is on the top of the Directors’ minds is: Does the project meet the standard set by Vision Zero to prevent all traffic deaths and serious injuries?
We don’t think plans go far enough for safety. We believe that one of San Francisco’s most dangerous streets should get the strongest possible improvements to protect the most vulnerable people on it: significant pedestrian safety infrastructure, major intersection redesigns and protected bike lanes along its entire length.
The Mayor weighed in on Polk Street. Last week he told Streetsblog, “We shouldn’t promote bicycle safety over pedestrian safety over cars and parking.”
But safety must be prioritized over parking if we have any chance of achievingVision Zero. If the Mayor wants to lead on Vision Zero, he must prioritize safety above all else — and a data-driven approach — on Polk Street.
We need to send a strong message of safety to the SFMTA before they make their decision. Join us on Tuesday to tell the MTA Board you want the strongest possible safety improvements along the entire length of Polk Street!
SFMTA Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 3 at 3PM
City Hall, Room 400
If you can’t make Tuesday’s meeting, you can email the SFMTA Board today and ask them for plans for Polk that will truly achieve safety for all.