Hey, That Valencia Bike Lane Re-Do Is Finally Finished, With the Bike Lanes Back on the Curb Side

The Valencia Street bike lanes in San Francisco have been restored to their original curbside location following a year and a half of being in the center of the street. The SF Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) faced backlash for the center-running design, which was linked to several accidents involving bicyclists and complaints from local businesses about reduced foot traffic. Dubbed “the Valencia meatgrinder,” the previous layout prompted safety concerns as vehicles frequently encroached upon the bike lane during U-turns. The newly opened protected bike lanes now utilize parked cars as a buffer against moving traffic, offering cyclists improved safety. SFMTA announced the completion of the project and plans to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

They also released a helmet-cam video to illustrate the cyclist experience on the new lanes. Although the new design is intended to enhance safety, it will be evaluated after six months as part of a pilot program. This ongoing assessment allows for potential adjustments based on user feedback and safety data.