We started the Golden Wheel Awards in 1993 to thank people and organizations making our streets more welcoming and enjoyable for people who bike. At our 24th Annual Golden Wheel Awards on Wed., July 13, we are proud to honor Walk SF Executive Director Nicole Ferrara for her tireless efforts towards eliminating severe injuries and traffic fatalities in San Francisco.
Nicole leads Walk SF’s work towards those goals and is the chair of the Vision Zero Network’s Advisory Committee. She took a few moments away from the demands of her busy schedule to catch up with us about why that work is important to her, the specifics of what she hopes to accomplish and where in SF she enjoys biking the most.
SF Bicycle Coalition: What inspired your commitment to working towards safer, more welcoming streets?
Nicole: I strongly believe that community health and wellness shouldn’t be something people have to strive for, it should be built into the fabric of our cities. Walking, biking and public transportation are amazing panaceas for the challenges facing society today and in the future: climate change, chronic disease, aging in place, social cohesion. The list goes on and on. But we’ll never achieve significant change until we build a transportation system that reflects these priorities—one where having a safe route for your trip on two feet or two wheels isn’t the exception, it’s the rule.
You’re being honored for your leadership on getting the City to adopt Vision Zero as an official goal. What are the necessary next steps for safer streets in our community?
Continuing to work together across advocacy groups and the community to build the demand for safe streets is critical to holding our decision-makers’ feet to the fire and countering the naysayers. When you receive an action alert from SF Bicycle Coalition or Walk SF, know that each click through or public comment really does make a difference!
Can you imagine a situation where, as an advocate for safer streets, you’ve accomplished all of your goals? What do our streets look like in that situation?
I imagine it every day! Here’s what it looks like to me: everyone in San Francisco, regardless of their income, race or ability, has equal access to safe, welcoming streets where people are prioritized.
Space on major streets are reallocated from the private automobile to wider, tree-lined sidewalks, protected bike lanes and MUNI, making the roadway narrower so cars naturally slow down. There are thriving pedestrianized streets in commercial areas throughout the City, surrounded by local businesses that embrace each neighborhood’s diverse culture.
This will translate into a place where no one has to risk their life or limbs when simply trying to get around, and Vision Zero, the goal to end all traffic deaths and serious injuries, will have been achieved.
What’s the number one goal you have for San Francisco’s streets in the next five years?
I’m going to cheat and say two: first, we need the carrot—building a steady stream of transformational street projects that aren’t watered down (such as improvements coming soon to Second, Masonic and Van Ness); second is the stick—we need safety cameras/Automated Speed Enforcement that enforce illegal speeding that’s killing people on our streets; safety cameras are illegal in the State of California, but have cut traffic deaths by up to 70 percent in other communities in the U.S.
What’s something that fellow SF Bicycle Coalition members would be surprised to learn about you?
I come from a biking family. All the men in my family compete, and I’ve been a spectator countless times, wondering if that was my brother who flew by in the peloton. In fact, I had my shot at it a couple of times. My dad enlisted me in my first bike race at the age of 4. (Growing up in Long Island, New York in the 80’s, the only thing cool about biking at the time was the neon spandex.) I hated being left in the dust by my two older brothers so I took up running, which no one else in my family had any interest in. It’s basically just fast walking, so things work out for a reason, I suppose!
How often do you bike and where are some of your favorite places to bike in and around SF?
I bike pretty regularly, especially when I’m running late to a meeting and my two feet just won’t be as quick as bike share. My favorite places to bike are on the streets and paths that don’t have many cars—the Wiggle, the Panhandle, Golden Gate Park. I find my ride way more enjoyable when I can admire the beautiful scenery without engines revving behind me.
Join us on Wed., July 13 to thank Nicole for her work and meet her in person. The 24th Annual Golden Wheel Awards are being held at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center’s Green Room, with stunning views of City Hall and the city’s skyline. Join us for a night of celebration as we look back on the accomplishments of Nicole and others committed to making SF’s streets ever more enjoyable to bike.
