April 11, our staff and board members joined the local community to do a slow ride along Arguello Blvd in memory of Ethan Boyes and to call our City’s attention to the desperate need for protected bicycle infrastructure. We are so grateful for the friends and family of Ethan for participating in this space while they are grieving. No one should have to lose a loved one in this way.
The slow ride started at Inspiration Point in the Presidio, near the location of the collision. The ride continued along Arguello Blvd, into Golden Gate Park and ended at the Polo Fields where Ethan used to train.
The ride organizers, Richmond Family SF and some of our members in District 1, have also put out a petition to gain support for protected infrastructure on Arguello. They have exceeded their initial signature goal and now raised it, you can still sign it here.
Your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has advocated for increased protection on Arguello for many years. In 2015 and 2016 we worked with the SFMTA and City leaders to add a new bike lane, green paint, bicycle turn boxes and other safety improvements to Arguello. And in 2017, we worked with then Supervisor Eric Mar to add buffers and pedestrian improvements. Still, we need greater protection to physically separate people biking from vehicles.
Arguello is unique because it is used by so many different people: families, commuters, competitive athletes, and more.
Despite the existing infrastructure and the efforts of many, too many people have been hit, injured or killed while biking along this major north-south corridor. To that point, Arguello between Sacramento St and Pacific Ave was recently added to the latest revision of San Francisco’s High-Injury Network.
We are actively in conversation with the Presidio Trust, SFMTA, and the District 1 and 2 offices to make sure they take swift action in addressing the concerns of the community and protecting people biking on all stretches of Arguello. Stay tuned for further updates.
In the meantime, join us and local advocates on the steps of City Hall on April 18 to advocate for immediate improvements to Arguello.
