We finally won a speed camera pilot in San Francisco (AB 645)!

Posted on by Rachel Clyde

On October 13, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 645, a speed camera bill, into law. AB 645, introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman from Long Beach, allows San Francisco and five other California cities to pilot automated speed cameras for the next five years. 

Along with a large group of supporters, we have been advocating for the introduction of speed camera technology into California for several years. Starting in 2017, we were key organizers with then-Assemblymember David Chiu trying to pass an earlier version of this bill. Automated speed enforcement is a proven and powerful traffic safety tool that has seen success across the world in reducing speeding cars. Since we know that speed is the primary cause of severe and fatal traffic crashes in California, we know that automated speed enforcement will reduce the number of traffic deaths and severe injuries in San Francisco. 

AB 645 will bring life-saving technology to San Francisco starting January 1, 2024 when it goes into effect. In addition to San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale and Long Beach will also pilot this life-saving technology. Each city has a specific number of cameras they are authorized to implement; the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is authorized to install 33 speed safety cameras throughout the city. The cameras will only be placed around schools and along the High Injury Network–the 12% of streets that see the most severe collisions occur. The bill also requires that the cities take geographical and socioeconomic factors into account when selecting camera locations.

The SFMTA says that they are already beginning the work to implement this technology, but it will require “about 12 months to complete the steps required by the legislation to ensure the speed camera technology is implemented equitably and transparently.” The SFMTA hopes to launch cameras in early 2025. The bill requires that the community have input on the location of the cameras. We will continuously monitor this process and make sure that community voices are heard.

Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 11 miles an hour or more caught on the cameras will receive a fine, beginning at $50 and increasing depending on the speed. There are potential fee reductions or community service options for those who qualify based on financial need. There will also be a warning period with no fee given out when the cameras are first installed. 

Any revenue generated from the ticketing will go directly into the city’s traffic calming measures and will have further positive impacts on street safety. 

These are civil penalties; there are no points added to your license nor is it subject to surcharges. The fines given out by the cameras will be significantly lower than speeding fines given by police officers. There are performance metrics in place so the effectiveness can be assessed and tweaks can be made during the pilot. The legislation prohibits the use of any photo or video taken for any other purpose than a speeding violation and requires that they be destroyed after 60 days. Facial recognition technology is also prohibited.

We have been supporting AB 645 and past versions of it because we believe that automated speed enforcement will change driver behavior, which is a crucial component for safer streets. Last year, San Francisco saw the highest number of traffic fatalities since Vision Zero began in 2014. This pilot will be monumental in helping us reach our Vision Zero goals. 

We want to acknowledge Walk SF, San Francisco Bay Area Families for Safe Streets, Streets for All and Streets Are for Everyone for leading on AB 645 through this legislative cycle. And we’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Phil Ting, Senator Scott Wiener and now City Attorney David Chiu for taking leadership on this legislation and seeing it through. As well, we recognize Assemblymember Laura Friedman and her staff authored this version of the bill and worked diligently to get it approved. Finally, we want to acknowledge and show our thanks to the SFMTA staff who have been pushing for this legislation for years. 

These changes become reality through our continued work with all these partners to improve traffic safety throughout San Francisco – and you can help! Support safer streets by becoming a member, or renewing your membership today!

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Light Up The Night is Back!

Posted on by Ashley Von Edge

Let’s Light Up the Night!

As the days get shorter and nights get longer, it is important that we stay safe and visible. 

Our annual Light Up The Night season is back and we are excited to announce that we are partnering with Bay Area Bicycle Law, along with our volunteers, to help install hundreds of front and rear lights for people who ride at night. Help keep yourself safe and visible – stop by and get a bike light throughout the season!

These events are also made possible by the support of our dedicated and amazing members and volunteers. We’ll be showing up all over the city to brighten up the winter season by installing lights on bikes – and this year, we welcome you to join us! Anyone can sign up here to help install lights in a neighborhood near you, and help light the way for your neighbors. 

Lights help to keep folks safe and they’re mandated by California law (CVC 21201 mandates a white front light and rear red reflector or reflective red light).

Want to know when we’re distributing lights near you? Stay updated on upcoming Light Up the Night distributions as the season goes on through our biweekly newsletter!

SIGN UP FOR OUR BIWEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Farewell to Janelle Wong, Executive Director

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

After almost a decade with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Janelle Wong will be stepping down as executive director. Janelle has played a critical role in advancing your San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s mission of promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation, and we are so grateful for her long tenure and tireless activism. 

Janelle’s leadership has left an incredible mark on our organization. Her unwavering commitment to transportation justice has touched numerous communities across San Francisco, from the Bayview to the Sunset. Many members know Janelle as an approachable and kind leader who is always ready to roll up her sleeves and incite needed change. Under Janelle’s leadership, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has helped secure important wins such as JFK Promenade, Bayshore Boulevard Quick Build, and a permanent Slow Streets Network. 

“When I started bike commuting in the city, I happened upon this organization whose members advocated for a bike lane on 7th Avenue,” Janelle recalled. “That bike lane allowed me to commute downtown from my house after the birth of my first child. That’s the year I became a member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, and I have been committed to making safer streets for people biking in San Francisco ever since.”

Our board of directors has selected Deputy Director Christopher White to act as interim executive director while they work to find a new leader for the organization.

“Janelle has been a committed and tireless advocate for making our city an inclusive and safe space to ride,” said Board President Marie Jonas. “The work of transforming our streets and neighborhoods is ongoing. We will be searching for an executive director who can lead our organization through this new chapter, including a refresh of our strategic plan.”

Janelle will continue to support the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition through the end of the year, and members can join us in celebrating her tenure at this year’s Winterfest. 

We thank our members and broader community for your continued support during this time of change. Our important work must continue at full speed while we look for a new executive director. To help us navigate through the next few months, we hope you will consider making a donation, becoming a member, or renewing your membership.

We’re hiring: Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is transforming our streets and neighborhoods into safe, just, and livable places by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. We’re seeking a passionate, highly motivated Volunteer and Membership Coordinator with a commitment to transportation justice to lead our volunteer program and to help grow membership engagement. 

The Volunteer and Membership Coordinator recruits, organizes, and oversees all volunteer logistics while providing programmatic support, event planning assistance, and on-site membership recruitment. The Volunteer and Membership Coordinator also oversees the recruitment and retention of the organization’s members through data-driven strategies and fundraising opportunities. They serve as the primary receptionist at our office, assist with accounts and member services, and maintain a wide knowledge of the organization’s work across all departments. This is an amazing opportunity to get to know people who are making our city a healthier place that’s more welcoming and enjoyable for people biking.

APPLY HERE

Primary areas of responsibility:

Volunteer and Outreach

  • Recruit, train, and organize volunteers and interns for all aspects of SF Bicycle Coalition events and programs, including for Bike to Wherever Day, Winterfest, and Bicycle Ambassador events;
  • Recruit and manage daytime membership volunteers who assist with membership support tasks;
  • Coordinate and execute outreach event logistics including the transportation, setup, and breakdown of event equipment;
  • Maintain volunteer retention through appreciation, including but not limited to planning and executing an annual Volunteer Appreciation party;
  • Manage Intern Cohort program: assist all staff in recruiting, hiring, and managing interns on a semester basis; grow and develop intern cohort program, offering professional development opportunities for interns; budget and maintain payroll for all interns; 
  • Use Salesforce to track volunteer hours, recruit and thank volunteers;
  • Host regularly scheduled Volunteer Nights, one or more nights a month;
  • Manage consistent volunteer communications through the Volunteer Newsletter; and
  • Integrate volunteer best practices via staff training, intern cohort management, documenting, tracking, and leadership.

Membership 

  • Connect members and the broader community with our mission, vision, and ways to get involved with our work, with emphasis on our core values of Transportation Justice, Sustainability, People Power and Joy;
  • Triage constituent services, responding to mail, phone, email, and in-person inquiries;
  • Manage member services, including bike box and bike trailer rentals, membership renewals and account updates, and maintaining inventory of all membership-related products;
  • Manage membership fulfillment processes, executing one to two times a week;
  • Manage membership renewal letter processes, executing two times a month;
  • Manage business and corporate partner relationships through the execution of in-person fairs and events; 
  • Manage walk-in payment for membership and store purchases, as well as special donations;
  • Manage SF Bicycle Coalition merchandise, including inventory, new product design, online and in-person sales, and shipping and handling;
  • Develop novel strategies aimed at increasing membership engagement especially in under-served communities, and growing and diversifying membership to better reflect the communities we serve; and
  • Apply an intersectional approach to the organization’s ongoing anti-racism work

Strong candidates will possess as many of the following qualifications as possible:

  • A deep commitment to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s mission;
  • Interest in and passion for transportation justice, equity, and anti-racism;
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills;
  • Experience with databases or CRM systems (experience in Salesforce a plus);
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a wide variety of audiences;
  • Excellent interpersonal and relational skills;
  • An ability to work individually and as part of a team;
  • Experience leading groups or individuals;
  • Demonstrated track record of successful volunteer management and project planning;
  • Commitment to and/or interest in the nonprofit sector;
  • Fluency in languages other than English, specifically Spanish, Cantonese, or Tagalog;
  • Ability to ride a bike comfortably in an urban environment; 
  • Possess a valid California’s driver license;
  • Experience successfully coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders;
  • Experience recruiting and managing diverse groups of volunteers;
  • Ability to work nights and weekends;
  • Desire and ability to implement systems that will allow your work to scale quickly and significantly reach significantly more people;
  • Positive attitude, enjoyment and comfort in working with diverse communities; and
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work history.

Reports to: Membership Engagement Manager

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary for this exempt position is $60,000 – $65,000, depending upon relevancy of experience. Full-time benefits include medical, vision and dental insurance.

Hours: Full-time, exempt. This position includes night and weekend work; depending on the season, approximately three to seven nights per month and one to three weekend days per month.

Location: Hybrid — San Francisco Bay Area. Staff and their supervisors will work together to determine the appropriate work arrangement based on the nature of the individual’s role, and in alignment with organizational policies and departmental needs and activities. We strive to be as flexible and fair as possible while ensuring in-person accessibility when needed to interface with our volunteers, membership, community, and each other.

APPLY HERE

About the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition works to transform San Francisco’s streets and neighborhoods into safe, just and livable places by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. Our work is guided by our four-year strategic plan and the core values of Transportation Justice, Sustainability, People Power and Joy. The organization’s culture reflects its grassroots origins and professional advocacy in equal measures. Our active membership represents San Franciscans of all ages and backgrounds from all neighborhoods who are working towards safe, sustainable and more affordable ways to move around our city. The SF Bicycle Coalition is the largest city-based bicycle advocacy group in the nation and one of the largest member-driven groups in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter which answers the following questions:

  1. What makes you excited to work at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition?
  2. Describe a specific program or project that you managed, including your full scope of responsibility. How did you measure success and what lessons did you learn? 
  3. What does transportation justice mean to you and how do you see it fitting into your career? 

Don’t delay safety improvements to Arguello

Posted on by Rachel Clyde

In April of this year, a beloved member of our community and track cycling champion, Ethan Boyes, was hit and killed by a driver while biking on Arguello Blvd in the Presidio. We joined Ethan’s friends, family, and the broader bicycle community in calling for quick action to make Arguello safe. Months later, we are still demanding action.

Arguello is one of the most used roads by people who bike in San Francisco, and responsibility for ensuring its safe design falls to both the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Presidio Trust, who have jurisdiction over different stretches of the road. 

SFMTA’s Arguello Safety Project, focuses on the stretch of Arguello between Golden Gate Park and the Presidio Gate, and is behind schedule. We were told in April by the SFMTA that public outreach for the project could begin within a month or two, but it still hasn’t materialized. As a result, we’re far from achieving the projected goal of an implemented design this fall.

When we biked Arguello Blvd with SFMTA staff in April, along with aides from Supervisor Chan’s and Stefani’s offices and the D1 representative for the SFMTA Bicycle Advisory Committee, we were clear: the only acceptable option is a side-running, parking-protected bike lane. Though there are many challenges to protecting the bike lane, including curb uses, emergency vehicle access, bus stops, and overhead wires, we believe the trade-offs will be worth it for a safe bike lane on one of the busiest streets for biking in the city. 

The SFMTA promised us swift implementation, projecting that a quick-build design could be in the ground as early as late summer or early fall. We are disappointed with the SFMTA falling behind on all aspects of the project.

After Ethan Boyes’ death, the entire bicycle community came together to demand action. Over 2,000 people signed a petition and joined a memorial slow ride in honor of Ethan. Community advocates under the banner of Protected Arguello also continue to demand a quick response and thorough protection. Supervisor Chan of District 1 and Supervisor Stefani of District 2 are both very supportive of the project and have each set aside funding to make it happen.

The SFMTA has the support and the urgency it needs to move forward. We’re expecting design options soon and will share them with our members when they become publicly available — but only a side-running parking protected bike lane will be acceptable. While community outreach is crucial for this project and needs to be thorough, delaying it should not be used as an excuse to prolong implementation. 

We are excited to reimagine the potential for Arguello Blvd.

Sign up for updates here!

 

Arguello safety improvements in the Presidio

Posted on by Rachel Clyde

In April of this year, a driver on Arguello Blvd in the Presidio veered across the road and into the opposite bike lane, hitting and killing Ethan Boyes, a fixture in the biking community. Following this tragedy, we joined Ethan’s friends, family, and the broader bicycle community in calling for both the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Presidio Trust – the federal agency that oversees the Presidio – to make quick safety improvements to one of the most popular bike routes in San Francisco. 

When we met with the Presidio Trust in April and walked through the area where the collision occurred, we discussed opportunities and limitations to create a safer environment for people biking on Arguello. Between the golf course and Washington Blvd, we observed dangerous behaviors such as excessive speed and people cutting their cars into the bike lane along curves. To address these, we discussed options such as speed humps, vertical delineators and better signage and markings to clarify where bicycles will travel. 

At the time, the Trust committed to pilot improvements to collect data and feedback to inform permanent solutions. Since this stretch of Arguello is slated for repaving next year, the Trust decided it made sense to do temporary solutions now and plan to implement long-term solutions when they repave.

A few weeks ago, the Trust began installing Phase 1 of the Arguello Blvd Bicycle Improvement Project, with Phase 2, which includes a speed hump and rumble strips, planned for the coming weeks. We were disappointed that the Trust did not share the Phase 1 designs for our feedback before they were installed.

We met with the Trust last week to discuss the pilot design and asked for some immediate amendments, like adding vertical delineators on the northbound side where bikes merge to take Washington Blvd. They also explained some of the data they collected that informed their choices; for example, 75% of southbound cars cut into the bike lane across from Inspiration Point, which is why they prioritized that bike lane for bollards.

The Presidio Trust was receptive to feedback, and we look forward to better communication regarding future improvements. We expect to see designs for the permanent improvements towards the end of this year and, if all goes as planned, implementation completed around the end of 2024. 

It’s important to recognize that designing transportation infrastructure in the Presidio comes with unique challenges. Much of their infrastructure is given historical preservation protection at the federal level. Several endangered species live within the park, and Arguello is surrounded by environmentally sensitive areas, making widening the roads impossible. 

Many people use Arguello daily, including transit riders, emergency responders, competitive athletes, bike commuters, tourists, and more. We want people to be able to continue to use Arguello for all active modes of transport, so it’s essential to keep them in mind for the design.

There will be opportunities to provide feedback on the permanent designs. Click below to be among the first to see them.

Sign up for updates here!

 

17th Street Quick-Build: Finish Line in Sight!

Posted on by Josef Nelson

On September 1st, a proposal for a protected bike lane along 17th Street between Potrero and Mississippi was brought to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Traffic Engineer for approval. With countless supporters calling in to the public hearing, it was clear that local community members and people who bike from all over the city are in favor of this project. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition thanks our local stakeholders and members for coming out and supporting this project throughout the process. 

For many people on bikes, especially those who commute, 17th Street is a vital thoroughfare between the Mission District and Mission Bay, yet is still a part of the city’s High Injury Network; a designation for the 13% of our city’s roads that make up 75% of severe and fatal traffic fatalities. Implementation of the 17th Street Quick-Build Project will drastically improve bicycle safety by upgrading existing bike infrastructure to a fully protected lane. 

In 2021, after months of campaigning by the local advocacy group Safer 17th, the SFMTA conducted outreach and started developing a plan that balances the needs of local families, business owners, and countless other stakeholders who use this vital corridor. 

Your SF Bicycle Coalition is working alongside local community advocates such as Safer17th and the Potrero Neighborhood Association to ensure the success of this safety project. The project has also been endorsed by local employers like UCSF Mission Bay and the United Auto Workers Local 2865 union.

Despite support from so many different stakeholders, local opposition has continued to delay this safety project with requests for more parking along the street. Between these opposition efforts and a drawn-out approval process, this project has taken far too long, and now, two years later, the finish line is finally within sight. 

After so much community support at the engineering hearing on September 1st, we were confident this project would be approved and allowed to move toward construction in the coming months but due to regulations surrounding parking changes, there is still one step left until final approval. Though the majority of the project was approved by engineering, a few key parts of the project will be going to the SFMTA board for approval next month. 

Show your support for this campaign and sign up for updates below to get notified when 17th Street goes to final approval.

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Better Market Street detour ➡️ fixing Folsom

Posted on by Rachel Clyde

*UPDATE: The Department of Public Works has shared with us that they will make improvements to both the Folsom St and Howard St bike lanes in the coming weeks before the complete shutdown. We encourage our members to use 311 if there are any remaining issues after the improvements are in.

Construction on Market Street for the watered-down Better Market Street project began in February 2023. The current Better Market Street plan does not reflect the transformative changes we fought for for over a decade and won in 2019. Due to budget constraints, in 2021, several improvements were cut from the plan, including the sidewalk-level bike lanes and transit-first design. We rallied our members and other organizations to ask the city to restrengthen the project, but the funding did not come through. 

We continue to press the City to prioritize the safety of people biking on Market. Over the last year, we have been working with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to make sure any construction-related bike detours are safe and accessible. 

One of those detours is coming up, and we are asking for your help to make sure that detour is safe. From October 14 to October 28, 2023, Market Street will be completely shut down between 5th St and 8th St. There will still be sidewalk access and you can cross Market at each intersection, but you will not be able to bike down Market between those blocks. Buses will also be detoured off of Market. 

You can find details on the detours on the DPW website, and we have included a summary and map at the bottom of this post. 

The primary detour route for people riding eastbound on Market (toward the Embarcadero) will be Folsom Street. The Folsom bike lane is in very poor condition, with many potholes, cracks and faded paint. We urged DPW to do some spot treatments on Folsom months ago when the construction began. Since then, we have seen little change in the condition of the bike lane. 

Folsom needs to be up to standards for the volume of bicycle traffic it will be receiving throughout all of construction and especially during the complete shut down. 

Join us in calling attention to the issue and help us fix the Folsom bike lane by reporting any potholes or faded paint to DPW through the 311 app or online. 

There will be a few more complete shutdowns throughout the remainder of construction and we will continue to keep you informed and involved. 

Summary of the detours:

DPW asks for eastbound bikes to detour right off Market by 11th, 10th or 8th Street then left onto Folsom. Continue on Folsom until 2nd Street, turn left onto 2nd and continue to Market. We recommend turning off Market at 11th or 8th Street. 

For westbound bikes, DPW asks people biking to detour off of Market Street onto Turk, then turn left onto Polk and continue to Market. Another detour option will be to take Howard St in SOMA.

You can also walk your bike on the sidewalk on Market Street in either direction. Pedestrian sidewalk access will not be impaired at all during this process.

A Message from Ethan Boyes’ Family

Posted on by San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Just over five months ago, on April 4, 2023, a tragedy shook the biking community in San Francisco: a driver heading northbound on Arguello in the Presidio veered across the southbound lane and into the opposite bike lane, hitting and killing Ethan Boyes. Ethan was a world-record-holding track racer, a beloved fixture of the biking community, and a son, brother, and friend.

Recently, the U.S. Park Police concluded their investigation of the crash and referred the case to federal prosecutors. As the investigation continues, we want to take a moment to center one of the voices closest to Ethan. His mother, Penny Boyes, has asked us to share this statement:

“Five months ago Ethan was taken from us, far too soon, because of decisions made by a stranger who chose to get into his car that April day and chose each of the actions that came after, until that inexplicable moment when he killed Ethan. We have spent these months grieving together as a family and as individuals, processing the void that Ethan used to fill for us. These months have also been filled with waiting—waiting to see what, if any consequences, there will be for the driver that took our son, brother, uncle and friend. We remain grateful for the thorough and thoughtful investigation undertaken by the U.S. Park Police and support the decision of the Park Police to refer the investigation to federal prosecutors. We trust that the criminal justice system will function as it is supposed to and hope that this next phase of the process will bring with it a serious conversation on the protection of cyclists from the actions of drivers and a true understanding that driving a car is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to drive cautiously and safely to avoid harming others.”

We continue to send strength and love to Ethan’s family and everyone who cared about him. As Ethan’s case enters its next phase, we echo his family’s request that we all reckon with the state of street safety and the responsibility of drivers to safely share the road. 

Ethan’s death highlights again what we already know: San Francisco streets are not safe enough for people biking and walking. City agencies must urgently do more to improve safety on our streets and create dedicated car-free infrastructure — Slow Streets, protected mobility lanes, and car-free streets.

While improving our streets is one way the City can make things safer for everyone, Ethan’s family rightly points out that it was ultimately one individual’s choices and actions that led to  Ethan’s death. The allegations that this person was intoxicated underline a truth that must be repeated: getting behind the wheel (or even the handlebars) of any vehicle while intoxicated in any way is completely unacceptable. We can all play a part in normalizing this clear line for ourselves and our friends, families, and communities.

In the coming weeks, the SF Bicycle Coalition will be sharing updates about safety changes in development along Arguello, both in the Presidio and between the Presidio and Golden Gate Park  — sign up here for all the latest updates.

A Farewell from long-time staff member, Kelsey!

Posted on by Kelsey Roeder

After seven amazing years at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, my time here has come to an end. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who has shaped this experience for me.

Joining the SF Bicycle Coalition staff in 2016 was a full-circle moment for me. I moved to San Francisco when I was 17 and immediately found an adorable and completely impractical yellow Schwinn on Craigslist. I built up my courage — and totally freaked out my parents — by doing longer and longer trips around the city until biking became my primary mode of transportation. I biked to SF State every day from Judah Street, riding along the ocean and experiencing that feeling only people who bike know: the unique mix of total freedom and true connection with community.

During my tenure on staff leading the membership team, I have worked alongside the most dedicated, passionate, and talented transportation justice advocates.  I am so deeply grateful to the staff, members, and community partners who have worked tirelessly to transform our city’s streets. Now that I have a daughter, I can’t wait to show her the joy of biking — on the back of a cargo bike and, someday, on her own.

Leaving is so bittersweet, but I know that the organization is in amazing hands and that the connections I made with friends, mentors, and bike buddies will last the rest of my life. See you in the bike lanes!

With the deepest gratitude,

Kelsey