Candidate Facts

Name: Kimberly Alvarenga    Campaign Website: www.kimalvarenga.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

Yes

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

I bicycle with my family regularly in McLaren Park for recreation.            

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes 

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. San Francisco has a Transit First policy. This means giving priority to transit and balancing the use of our streets for pedestrians, bicycles, and cars. In order to get people out of their cars, we must provide alternative means of transportation including safe accessible public transit, pedestrian improvements, and making our streets safe for bicyclists. I was born and raised in San Francisco and so it is dramatic to me how many people now use bicycling as their major means of transportation. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes 

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

The purpose of Vision Zero is to make improvements to make streets safer, educate on traffic safety, and enforce traffic laws so we will reach Zero fatalities. There are many improvements that can be made to achieve this goal e.g. narrowing crossing distances and mechanisms to slow traffic. Vision Zero has not been achieved in large part because programs to promote this goal are not adequately funded. This will be one of my budget priorities.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

I literally live at the door step of McLaren Park, the second largest park in San Francisco. Mansell Street is a high speed street that runs through the middle of McLaren Park. Improvements are finally being made so vehicle traffic is restricted to one side of the park and the other side will be separated and have protected paths for people walking and bicycling. A bicycle skills park is also planned for McLaren Park.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission also identified “Communities of Concern” that show low-income communities, communities of color, and seniors are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. This is the community of people who must rely on walking and transit as their primary means of transportation. Studies have shown that key risk factors are speed, driver’s failure to yield, and left turns being made without careful attention. Any effective action plan has to include education, engineering, and enforcement. We need to educate the public so they know safe practices of driving, walking, bicycling. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED] 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

 Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

“Focus on Five” is a common sense approach to make streets more friendly and safe. The Police Commission receives quarterly reports but as a member of the Board of Supervisors, I would require regular reporting of the SFPD on achieving their 50% goal.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes 

 

District-Specific Questions

1. The Planning Department led the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study, which was completed in 2015 after extensive public outreach. Recommendations in the study included a redesign and plaza treatment for the intersection of Ocean, Phelan and Geneva Avenues as well as the inclusion of a westbound bike lane between I-280 and Phelan Avenue. Do you support the study’s findings?

Yes

If “Yes,” what would you do as Supervisor to advance the design and implementation of the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study?

The Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study is a good example of city departments working collaboratively for the common goal of making Ocean Avenue a safe, clean, accessible pedestrian/bicycle/ transit hub. The Planning Department was the lead agency but they worked closely with Department of Public Works and Municipal Transportation Agency. Streetscape improvements will be made using Prop B, Road and Repaving and Streets Safety Bond measure which was approved by voters in 2011. Building on previous studies, it is an example of planning at its best. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

2. As San Francisco becomes a more expensive city to live in, we know that biking provides an affordable and sustainable way to get around. To increase access to bikes, the SF Bicycle Coalition organizes and leads the Bike it Forward program. We reclaim unclaimed and abandoned bikes from the SFMTA, BART, the SFPD and other agencies, which are then repaired with the help of our volunteers. Neighborhood residents sign up with our partner organizations in advance to participate and receive a bike. As Supervisor, do you support this program and its expansion?

Yes

3. Do you agree that biking is an affordable mode of transportation?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

If “Yes,” what would you do as Supervisor to increase biking in your District?

I believe we can increase biking in District 11 if we can improve the amenities in the district. We have very few bike corrals on the commercial corridor, no connected network of dedicated bike lanes, and no protected bike lanes in District 11. There are plans and some funding to improve this situation, but I would like to see much more. For example, we have a wonderful “Walk, Bike, and Roll” program in the district, started by a committed parent, to encourage more walking and biking to school. However, our schools do not have enough bike corrals. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries 

 

Candidate Facts

Name: Marjan Philhour    Campaign Website: www.votemarjan.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

Yes

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

Not regularly, but occasionally I do alongside my kids in Golden Gate Park.

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

Generate and support research-backed policies that improve the safety and efficiency of transit by bicycle. Do the necessary constituent groundwork needed to ensure these policies move forward as quickly as politically sustainable.

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes 

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

Work harder to make the political case and ensure stakeholders including residents and merchants feel listened to and part of the political process. Empower constituents to move forward with traffic calming measures in their own neighborhoods.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. If we can’t achieve significant safety improvements there, where can we do so? That part of the High Injury Network map includes sleepy, non-commercial, non-residential, JFK Drive, is just shocking.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes 

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

Some of these streets are in the Park – see my responses on that topic below. Others include Arguello, Fulton, California, Park Presidio, and Geary Blvd. In each of these cases, the street speed is simply too high, and I am in favor of physical calming measures that reduce street speed and therefore the number of collisions as well as the fraction of collisions that result in serious injury or death. As I’ve said elsewhere, I also believe greater involvement on the part of the Supervisor to make the political case is needed.

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

I routinely walk my children to school in the Outer Richmond. In year after year of this, I have never witnessed a single case of traffic enforcement. There are simply not enough police officers in San Francisco, and the Department is insufficiently resourced. We need to properly resource the SFPD if we expect to see improvement in enforcement.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

District-Specific Questions

1. A recent tragedy occurred on June 22, where a person biking was hit and killed by a driver on JFK Drive near 30th Avenue, which is located in District 1. The SF Bicycle Coalition is advocating for protected bike lanes for the western half of JFK Drive to make Golden Gate Park a place for people rather than vehicle through traffic or on-street parking. As Supervisor, would you support our ask, and what would you do to prevent such crashes on JFK Drive?

I support this change. If we can’t accomplish this on JFK, where in the City can we accomplish it? I think we need to look seriously about reducing car traffic through Golden Gate Park in general and improving pedestrian and bicycle entry to the park especially. The entrance nearest to where I live – 43rd Ave / Chain of Lakes – is an extraordinarily dangerous intersection. A child was seriously injured there on a bicycle while in a crosswalk. There is actually no pedestrian access to the park at that entrance that doesn’t involve walking in traffic. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

2. In addition to improved infrastructure, we are advocating for an expansion of car-free, open streets space in Golden Gate Park, similar to Car-Free Sundays or Healthy Saturdays. As Supervisor, would you support this ask?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

3. We support a recommendation from the Ocean Beach Master Plan, which calls for a road diet of Great Highway, given the high levels of sand erosion. The result would be to repurpose two lanes of travel to become open streets for people biking and walking. Do you support this recommendation?

Yes

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries 

 

Candidate Facts

Name: Richie Greenberg    Campaign Website: richie2016.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

Yes

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

Several times per week, for running errands locally in the richmond district neighborhood, and for leisure over to ocean beach and often through golden gate park. My wife and I ride together as well. We have also put our bikes on muni bus to Crissy Field as well. In the past, I have brought my bike on the ferry up to Sausalito and ridden back into the city over the golden gate bridge. We ride at sunday streets too.

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

I would love to see the bar set above the quoted 8% goal. We need to approach each neighborhood (district’s) needs and assess how to educate the population as to the benefits to work towards even exceeding the goal. If ever possible, I would ideally find financial incentives for resident to purchase bicycles to help offset the entry into the bike culture. Working in partnership between sponsors and organizations such as bike coalitions, for example.

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

We can ultimately work through the shortcomings together. The advertising and promoting of vision zero alone doesn’t work- we need a three-pronged approach: serious education program(s), monitoring of policies implemented, and enforcement. This includes addressing vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists alike, for meaningful results. Moreover, the city has been overrun with vehicles from ride-sharing services, which have thrown a monkey-wrench in the plans. We need to reign in such services, find ways to cap their vehicle numbers in the city and enforce laws against moving violations/double parking by their drivers.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

I propose a bike “breezeway” that runs east/west along the northern edge of golden gate park, south side of Fulton, from Stanyan westward to ocean beach. I envision dedicating perhaps 25 feet of the current sidewalk on south side to be widened into the parkland, to create totally separate two-direction bike-only lanes, with bike traffic lights. Relocate the current bike route away from Cabrillo and move to Fulton. Will become a main bicycle artery east/west for nearly all richmond district length for several miles, for residents and tourists alike.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes 

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

We must implement the 3-prong approach: meaningful education efforts, monitor implementation, and enforcement, of all players (bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles). We need to increase traffic-calming strategies, speed bumps, roundabouts, traffic lights and stop signs. We need to address “distraction” behaviors by all, bikes, pedestrians and vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists need to be visible at all times, especially at night – wear bright and reflective clothing and lighting!

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

Yes [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

Much of the current problem is due to lack of officers physically on patrol either walking the beat or in patrol cars. I will ensure full funding of SFPD, ensure they hire the maximum number of officers, and separately, I also propose to redirect much of city resources from “low hanging fruit” violations (such as expired parking meter) enforcement, and instead focus on the serious moving violations enforcement.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes 

District-Specific Questions

1. A recent tragedy occurred on June 22, where a person biking was hit and killed by a driver on JFK Drive near 30th Avenue, which is located in District 1. The SF Bicycle Coalition is advocating for protected bike lanes for the western half of JFK Drive to make Golden Gate Park a place for people rather than vehicle through traffic or on-street parking. As Supervisor, would you support our ask, and what would you do to prevent such crashes on JFK Drive?

I agree that the park should be either permanently closed to most through traffic (such as is seen in central park in NYC), or very restricted. Overall, we do need completely protected bike lanes to avoid the “sharing” of a lane by both vehicles and bikes. Another proposal is to also create totally new bike-only lanes and cut-throughs, through portions of the park.

2. In addition to improved infrastructure, we are advocating for an expansion of car-free, open streets space in Golden Gate Park, similar to Car-Free Sundays or Healthy Saturdays. As Supervisor, would you support this ask?

Yes 

3. We support a recommendation from the Ocean Beach Master Plan, which calls for a road diet of Great Highway, given the high levels of sand erosion. The result would be to repurpose two lanes of travel to become open streets for people biking and walking. Do you support this recommendation?

No [RESPONSE TRUNCATED] 

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries 

 

Candidate Facts

Name: Ahsha Safai    Campaign Website: Ahshaforsupervisor.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

Yes

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

Unfortunately not as often as I would like. I enjoy riding bikes with my children on the weekend.         

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes 

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

I would work with the SF Bicycle Coalition, other Supervisors and various organizations to continue to grow existing programs and improve infrastructure and implement many of the goals of Vision Zero to make riding safer to encourage safer riding experiences. Also, I would work with the Safe Routes to School program to encourage students to start riding their bikes to school early so as to encourage an early commitment to riding.

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes 

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

Because District 11 is included an area within the Vision Zero High Injury Network, I would work closely with the SFCTA Vision Zero Committee, Vision Zero Task Force, and Vision Zero SF Coalition to further the goals of the Two-Year Action Plan through public education, safe traffic engineering, enforcing traffic laws, and changing public policy. I would support more projects in my District like the Mission/Trumbull Safety Improvements and the 14 Mission Rapid Project that will ultimately make streets safer and reduce fatalities.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

Alemeny Boulevard has many sections that would be ripe for this. Traffic moves extremely fast through both directions of this corridor making it unsafe for both bicyclist and pedestrians. Alemany Boulevard is a major connection point to our local farmers market but also an entrance to the freeway and runs almost the entire length of our district touching almost every neighborhood, so extra care must be taken to protect bicyclists to encourage greater riding.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

There are a few “high-injury network” areas in my District. I would work with SFMTA and the SF Bicycle Coalition and use Vision Zero data and information to install the recommended traffic calming solutions. I will do whatever I can to ensure safe roads for bicycles and pedestrians.

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

 Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

I know that along the Mission Street Corridor and other areas of District 11, SFMTA parking officials are working really hard to prioritize bike safety by enforcing tickets on double parked vehicles. Also Capt. McFadden and the officers at Ingleside station have been working extremely close with the community to evaluate high traffic and speed zones throughout District 11. I would continue partnering with SFPD’s Ingelside station and SFMTA on their excellent work, as well as spread the model in District 11 to other Districts throughout the city.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes 

 

District-Specific Questions

1. The Planning Department led the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study, which was completed in 2015 after extensive public outreach. Recommendations in the study included a redesign and plaza treatment for the intersection of Ocean, Phelan and Geneva Avenues as well as the inclusion of a westbound bike lane between I-280 and Phelan Avenue. Do you support the study’s findings?

Yes

If “Yes,” what would you do as Supervisor to advance the design and implementation of the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study?

As a City Planner and a longtime resident of District 11 I have seen many years of neglect. This plan is a thoughtful redesign of this area that is in much need of attention and better safety and flow for pedestrians, bicyclists and cars. I would fight for public funding for these improvements from federal state and local sources such as Prop B, Prop AA and Prop K and hopefully some of the future sales tax that is being proposed for transportation purposes this fall. All of these sources could be used to match other federal and state sources. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

2. As San Francisco becomes a more expensive city to live in, we know that biking provides an affordable and sustainable way to get around. To increase access to bikes, the SF Bicycle Coalition organizes and leads the Bike it Forward program. We reclaim unclaimed and abandoned bikes from the SFMTA, BART, the SFPD and other agencies, which are then repaired with the help of our volunteers. Neighborhood residents sign up with our partner organizations in advance to participate and receive a bike. As Supervisor, do you support this program and its expansion?

Yes

3. Do you agree that biking is an affordable mode of transportation?

Yes 

If “Yes,” what would you do as Supervisor to increase biking in your District?

I think a bike shop along one of my merchant corridors would provide much-needed support and access for regular cyclists in my District, as well as provide an opportunity for others to learn more about the benefits of biking. I would also work with the SF Bicycle coalition to organize bike giveaways and to host safe ride workshop. Bike safety is extremely important and needs to go hand-in-hand with giving someone a bike. I would also support expanding Safe Routes to School program as mentioned before, but most importantly in the areas that bicyclists use. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries 

 

Candidate Facts

Name: John Farrell    Campaign Website: www.johnfarrell4supervisor.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

Yes

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

I ride my bike every weekend. I enjoy riding. It’s one of my favorite ways to exercise, and I weekly bike to visit my father or run errands.

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

I will ensure that the City’s Bicycle Strategy has sufficient funding by identifying current revenue sources that have been ignored and hold City departments accountable in order to cut waste. I will advocate expanding our bike path infrastructure and improving its safety design so that it becomes an easy and safe way for commuters to travel without the need or desire for a car. I will support increasing bicycle sharing programs and bicycle parking, especially along commercial strips. I will work with local communities to educate and promote bicycling, foster ways for local business involvement, and encourage vehicle-free events.

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

I will immediately ensure that all high injury corridors have been addressed. I will advocate safety improvements and slow traffic strategies to best meet the needs of each location: using better road design; separating bicycle from other traffic, with the use of raised and highly visible crossings, protected bike paths, refuge islands, increased green lanes, bike friendly signals, raised pedestrian sidewalks, lower the speed limits, and increased enforcement. I will advocate that our streets be repaired from dangerous potholes and fissures and free of debris. I will work with our communities to educate and promote bicycle safety.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

In D7, Ocean Ave and 19th Ave are the two main streets that would benefit the most. These are highly visible thoroughfares and have a history of unacceptable cyclist injuries. I support the Ocean Ave Corridor and want to expand a safer solution for all of Ocean Ave. I also support the undergrounding of the M line that is currently running above 19th Ave and converting this on-street space to protected bicycle lanes and Pedestrian sidewalks. These two projects are highly visible and would set a precedent in changing the direction of our City towards a more bike friendly future.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

Safety is priority one, and is a very personal issue for me. I lost two friends in separate fatal accidents when they were struck while walking across a San Francisco street. I will ensure that all high injury corridors, including those in low-income communities, are addressed. I will advocate safer street design; separating bicyclists/pedestrians from other traffic utilizing options such as highly visible crossings, refuge islands, raised medians, overpasses, underpasses, lowering the speed limit, narrowing the streets, and utilizing buffer zones. Advances like the Ocean Ave Corridor and undergrounded M line will make a difference in transportation on the Westside.

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

As Supervisor, I will keep these issues in the forefront and work closely with the SFPD to ensure that there is an increase in police patrol to enforce these laws. I will also work with the SFMTA to make sure that Parking Control Officers are in place to fine violators. I can’t emphasize enough, that safer street designs and increased signage will prevent many violations.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes

District-Specific Questions

1. The SF Bicycle Coalition has been advocating for better bike connections from Balboa Park Station to Lake Merced for years. As Supervisor, what would you recommend to improve the biking and walking connections to and from this important transit hub along Ocean Avenue?

I support the 2009 SFMTA Balboa Park Pedestrian Bicycle Connectivity Study recommendations in redesigning the streets to include protected bike paths and pedestrian walkways along Geneva Avenue, Ocean Avenue, San Jose Avenue and Phelan Avenue utilizing highly visible crossings, refuge islands, buffer zones, signals, and lowering the speed limit.

2. According to the 2009 San Francisco Bicycle Plan, it is legal to ride a bicycle along the sidewalk of 19th Avenue due to the lack of a northsouth bike route here. There is currently a longrange planning effort to underground the MOcean View Muni line and repurpose the onstreet space to transform this freewaylike street into a peoplefriendly boulevard with dedicated bike lanes. Do you support this effort?

Yes

Why or why not?

I highly recommend this project because it makes absolute sense. It is an improvement to the current on-street use of the M line. This is a main thoroughfare with constant traffic and this will ensure the safety of bicyclist and pedestrians while improving the flow of traffic. It will help increase the services to the 18,000 new residents expected at Parkmerced. It will entice people to bike and walk and represents a major step toward sustainability.

3. We support a recommendation from the Ocean Beach Master Plan, which calls for a road diet of Great Highway, given the high levels of sand erosion. The result would be to repurpose two lanes of travel to become open streets for people biking and walking. Do you support this recommendation?

Yes

4. The Planning Department led the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study, which was completed in 2015 after extensive public outreach. Recommendations in the study included a redesign and plaza treatment for the intersection of Ocean, Phelan and Geneva Avenues as well as the inclusion of a westbound bike lane between I280 and Phelan Avenue. Do you support the study’s findings?

Yes

If “Yes,” what would you do as Supervisor to advance the design and implementation of the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study?

This project is crucial to help connect our City’s bicycle infrastructure and I will hold the Department of Public Works accountable for the delays and advocate to expedite whatever needs to be done to get this project underway. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I am a good listener, and as anyone who has read my many columns for the Westside Observer can tell you, I have a healthy cynicism toward bureaucratic inaction, especially when it represents a waste of our critical taxpayer funds.

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries  

 

Candidate Facts

Name: Norman Yee    Campaign Website:  normanyee.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

No [DISABLED]

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

Recreation, errands, pleasure, occasional commuting. I have a regular bike and an electric bike. My son commutes on his bike. I ride several times a week on average.

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

I believe in the three pillars of our vision zero policy, I believe increasing ridership will take making people feel safer by focusing on engineering, education and enforcement. I think our main focus should be the next generation, I have been able through the budget process to create a student crossing guard program where students become safety ambassadors for their peers and receive a comprehensive safety training which I believe coupled with the efforts of the Safe route to school initiative will create and strengthen the next generation of bike riders.

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

I was proud to co author the Vision Zero legislation. I believe we have two main obstacles: one is budgetary and the other is a culture shift in how we think about transportation citywide. We need to continue to allocate more funding to improvements citywide and continue to involve residents so that they feel empowered and part of the process. In terms of culture change I believe that we need to see much more coordination among departments and much smarter and community led processes to evaluate and select needed improvement with special attention to equity.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

I am a strong supporter of the new vision for 19th avenue included in the 19th Ave Transit Study and I think as part of the complete re-envisioning of that thoroughfare we should strongly consider adding a protected bike lane.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

I am a strong supporter of community led processes and knowing how poorly we have collected data on collisions in the past I take the “high injury network” as an excellent starting point. I strongly believe that in addition to these clear focal points we need to continue to work and support community led processes that highlight needed improvements all throughout our neighborhoods. We need to show community that when they organize to make their community safer we are able to listen and be responsive.

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

I believe that when we have been the most effective is when we have coupled education and enforcement efforts. Having attended and have my staff attended the Vision Zero Task Force Meetings i think that publicly available reporting from SFPD on their Focus on the Five enforcement would be a useful metric to see if we are actually meeting our goals. I also think that this is another area that will necessitate a culture change.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes

District-Specific Questions

1. The SF Bicycle Coalition has been advocating for better bike connections from Balboa Park Station to Lake Merced for years. As Supervisor, what would you recommend to improve the biking and walking connections to and from this important transit hub along Ocean Avenue?

As you talk about later there is a vision for at least parts of that area through the Ocean Avenue Corridor Redesign Study. I am also interested to see how considerations for better connections are included in the project for Balboa Reservoir. I also have been active working on activating Ocean Ave as I believe that better activation and more pedestrian traffic will help. Finally I believe that again it is a resource issue and I am very excited that along Ocean Ave we have an active CBD that will us secure more resources for improvements.

2. According to the 2009 San Francisco Bicycle Plan, it is legal to ride a bicycle along the sidewalk of 19th Avenue due to the lack of a northsouth bike route here. There is currently a longrange planning effort to underground the MOcean View Muni line and repurpose the onstreet space to transform this freewaylike street into a peoplefriendly boulevard with dedicated bike lanes. Do you support this effort?

Yes

Why or why not?

I believe that we have to be visionaries when it comes to transit for San Francisco’s future, with the development at Park Merced we need to invest in the M line and do so boldly. 19th ave is a problem we need to address and the M Line redesign work allows us a once in a lifetime opportunity to address a number of issues including bike access and pedestrian safety and transform a deadly corridor into a model for future generations.

3. We support a recommendation from the Ocean Beach Master Plan, which calls for a road diet of Great Highway, given the high levels of sand erosion. The result would be to repurpose two lanes of travel to become open streets for people biking and walking. Do you support this recommendation?

Yes

4. The Planning Department led the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study, which was completed in 2015 after extensive public outreach. Recommendations in the study included a redesign and plaza treatment for the intersection of Ocean, Phelan and Geneva Avenues as well as the inclusion of a westbound bike lane between I280 and Phelan Avenue. Do you support the study’s findings?

Yes

If “Yes,” what would you do as Supervisor to advance the design and implementation of the Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Study?

I will continue to work within the City’s Budget Process to ensure that the core vision of the plan becomes a reality, I’m also going to continue to work with with the Ocean Avenue Association and neighbors in Westwood Park, Sunnyside, Ingleside Terraces and Lakeshore Acres to create a comprehensive vision for all of Ocean Ave.

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries 

 

Candidate Facts

Name: Jonathan Lyens    Campaign Website: www.jonathanlyens.com

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

No

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

While I have a disability that prevents me from riding a bicycle as a mode of transportation, I believe passionately that we need a strong and vibrant multi-modal transportation system. Safe streets, designed for bicyclist and pedestrian safety, are key to reaching our goal of 8% of mode share by bicycle. Dedicated and protected bike lanes are part of the solution. I also support expanding the city’s bike share program. As Supervisor, I will fight to ensure adequate funding for the development and maintenance of roads that foster a safe and shared space between cyclists, pedestrians and others.

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

Yes

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant process since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

As President of the FDR Democratic Club of SF, for seniors and people with disabilities, I am proud to lead an organization that is a founding member of the Vision Zero Coalition; and as Supervisor, I pledge to continue leading the way on pedestrian safety improvements. It is critical for the Board of Supervisors to provide adequate funding for pedestrian safety projects. As Supervisor, I will call regular public hearings on the implementation of pedestrian safety improvements, as well as our city’s status in reaching the goals laid out in Vision Zero. I pledge to have an open door policy for pedestrian/bicyclist safety advocates.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

Many streets in the Richmond district would be well served by a protected bike lane. One example is Arguello Boulevard. It’s a key point of access to Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, as well as a connector to major east/west arteries like Geary and Fulton. Because of its access to world renowned recreation, Arguello is a street often traversed by tourists, many of whom are experiencing urban biking for the first time. A positive, safe experience is something they will take home to their communities, enabling us to help shift others away from a car-centric mindset.

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes 

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

As a person with a disability, I have been advocating for increased pedestrian safety my entire life. I have seen firsthand the divisiveness between pedestrians, cyclists, seniors, people with disabilities and others. As Supervisor, I will work to bring these communities together to improve education and awareness of the needs of each of these communities. Further, I would ensure the funding required for the systematic analysis of each intersection identified in the “high-injury network”, as well as the recommended structural improvements.

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

Yes 

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

I’m proud that the police officers of the Richmond District are leading the way on Focus on the Five. However, we can and must do more. I support basic structural changes that will allow us to increase our enforcement without requiring substantial increases in officer time, such as automated speed enforcement and more cameras on MUNI buses that issue citations on illegally parked cars. I also believe in public discussions, and as Supervisor I will call regular hearings on our progress meeting Vision Zero and Focus on the Five.

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

Yes 

District-Specific Questions

1. A recent tragedy occurred on June 22, where a person biking was hit and killed by a driver on JFK Drive near 30th Avenue, which is located in District 1. The SF Bicycle Coalition is advocating for protected bike lanes for the western half of JFK Drive to make Golden Gate Park a place for people rather than vehicle through traffic or on-street parking. As Supervisor, would you support our ask, and what would you do to prevent such crashes on JFK Drive?

Yes, I absolutely support your ask. As Supervisor, I would be proactive in creating protected bike lanes throughout Golden Gate Park. Our park should be designed for people, not cars.

2. In addition to improved infrastructure, we are advocating for an expansion of car-free, open streets space in Golden Gate Park, similar to Car-Free Sundays or Healthy Saturdays. As Supervisor, would you support this ask?

Yes 

3. We support a recommendation from the Ocean Beach Master Plan, which calls for a road diet of Great Highway, given the high levels of sand erosion. The result would be to repurpose two lanes of travel to become open streets for people biking and walking. Do you support this recommendation?

Yes 

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries 

 

Candidate Facts

Name: Tim Donnelly    Campaign Website: N/A

Candidate Questionnaire

All official candidates were contacted and given the opportunity to answer our Candidate Questionnaire. Any candidate responses edited for length and clarity have been marked as such.

1. Do you ride a bicycle in the city?

Yes

If “Yes,” how often do you ride and for what purpose(s)?

I ride a several times a week on average. Sometimes for fun, other times for transportation.

2. The City has established a goal to at least double the number of bike trips in the next 3 years. Do you support this goal?

Yes

If yes, what would you do as Supervisor to help the city realize it?

I begged the DPT over twenty years ago, when Gavin Newsom was on that board, for a network of bike lanes, so riders could traverse the City without sharing a lane with cars. they were not supportive. I did not even own a bicycle at the time, but felt it was important. I have several bikes now and ride frequently. I created a bike room in the building I manage, to encourage tenants to own and ride bikes and have given bikes to friends to get them hooked. As a supervisor, I would support programs that encourage biking. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

3. Our City has embraced and adopted Vision Zero, the goal to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by 2024. Do you support Vision Zero?

[NO RESPONSE GIVEN]

If “Yes,” the city has yet to make significant progress since the introduction of Vision Zero in 2014. In fact, fatalities are on the rise. What would you do as Supervisor to help the city achieve Vision Zero?

I believe we need to assess the causes of bicycle accidents and take steps to reduce them. A network of separated bike lanes and educating drivers to check for bikes before they open their doors, would be a start.

4. Research and data has shown that building high-quality protected bike infrastructure is the most effective way to increase the number of people who bike. Despite this, there remain very few streets and corridors in San Francisco with protected bike lanes. Do you support the significant expansion of protected bike infrastructure, recognizing that this is often achieved by reallocating space on our streets that may decrease on-street car parking or vehicle travel lanes?

Yes 

If “Yes,” what is at least one street or corridor in your District that you think would most benefit from a protected bike facility and why?

Jefferson Street

5. The SF Bicycle Coalition participated in the Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force, which identified significant funding gaps for a safe, reliable transportation system. To continue building out the bike network, the original need until 2030 was $360 million, which has now increased to $660 million, by City estimates. Do you support increased allocation and funding for bike projects to at least match the percentage of San Franciscans who bike?

Yes 

6. The Department of Public Health has used data to develop the “high-injury network” to show the 12% of city streets where over 70% of the collisions occur. This map has also shown that low-income communities are disproportionately affected by traffic collisions. If Supervisor, what would you do to prevent collisions in your District at these known locations?

Double-parkers are the scourge of transportation in SF, yet I never see any enforcement against it. That needs to change. We also need to create off street parking to allow flexible use of our curb spaces. We should use the curb space for deliveries, disabled, pick-up/drop-offs and short stays. We have to face the fact that the city is evolving and keep up with the changes. Forcing cars and trucks to circle around and double park is not helping anyone. We need to be accommodating to different needs. Squaring off against one another is not the solution. [RESPONSE TRUNCATED]

7. Market Street is San Francisco’s most-biked street, with nearly 7,000 trips by bike counted here every day. The City is working on the Better Market Street project, which calls for limiting private automobiles, creating a continuous, protected bike lane for the full length of the project from the Embarcadero to Octavia Boulevard and significantly advancing transit and pedestrian-friendly street design. Do you support this plan?

[NO RESPONSE GIVEN]

8. Data has shown that the five most dangerous behaviors are all driver-related offenses: speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, improper right-hand turns, running red lights and failure to stop at stop signs. The San Francisco Police Department has committed to maintaining 50% of their traffic citations to “Focus on the Five,” a goal they have yet to meet citywide. Do you support Focus on the Five and smart, data-driven enforcement?

Yes 

9. As Supervisor, what will you do to ensure SFPD focuses enforcement on Focus on the Five or other known issues that make our streets unwelcome to bike on, such as double-parking in bike lanes, rather than ad hoc, complaint-driven enforcement?

[NO RESPONSE GIVEN]

10. Bay Area Bike Share is in the middle of a game-changing, tenfold expansion of its system to become one of the densest bike share networks in the United States. Do you support the expansion and placement of bike share stations in your District, even if this may mean repurposing of on-street vehicle parking?

[NO RESPONSE GIVEN]

District-Specific Questions

1.There is currently no dedicated north-south bike lane to connect Market Street to Chinatown, North Beach and beyond. The City is in the process of identifying the best corridor for bike improvements. If Supervisor, would you support the community outreach, planning and implementation of a north-south bike route here with dedicated, protected bike lanes?

Yes

2.District 3 and Chinatown in particular has some of the highest rates of walking as the main mode of getting around but has also been the site of tragic pedestrian fatalities in recent years. If Supervisor, what will you do to ensure District 3 is walkable and bike-friendly?

District 3 is the most challenging due to its density and topography, with regards to bike riding. It will take some creativity and sacrificing to reach our goals, but that is a challenge worth taking. I think an opportunity was wasted when the redo of Jefferson St. in Fisherman’s Wharf did not include a bike lane. The stretch through that area has a great number of bicyclists, many who are visitors, yet is extremely challenging to traverse. We need to reevaluate that stretch and perhaps redo our redo. A mistake that is corrected is no longer a mistake.

3. The City is in the middle of the public planning phase for the Embarcadero Enhancement Project to design a protected bike lane from AT&T Park to Fisherman’s Wharf. The SF Bicycle Coalition’s preferred design is a two-way protected bike lane on the waterfront side of the Embarcadero. Recognizing design challenges will require potential tradeoffs with on-street parking and travel lanes, would you support our preferred design as Supervisor?

No

If “No,” what design do you prefer?

I bike that stretch plenty and am not comfortable with the present configuration. I’m not an expert, but I would want to consider moving the bike lane to the left of the inside vehicle lane. That would eliminate the problems of right turning vehicles as well as the danger of “dooring” and cars parking in the bike lane. The waterfront lane works well but needs enforcement to eliminate parking in the bike lane, and intrusion from motorcycles.

4. A significant portion of Market Street is in District 3, including the intersection at Battery Street where a person biking was hit and killed by a Muni bus last year. What near-term improvements would you champion as Supervisor to improve street safety on Market Street?

Perhaps the “inside bike lane” could work for Market St. as well.

Return to November 2016 Candidate Summaries