After a month of defending and demanding protected bike lanes on Townsend, we are excited to share that our member-powered advocacy was successful.

After making a verbal commitment nearly two weeks ago, today the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) officially put their commitment in writing: they will move forward with protected bike lanes on Townsend between Fourth and Eighth streets with an aggressive new timeline that will begin construction by the end of this year.

The plan has the project up for approval by the SFMTA Board in November and beginning construction immediately afterward. Along with protected bike lanes, new dedicated pedestrian paths will connect people to Caltrain and repaving will make for a much smoother bike ride. On the block in front of Caltrain between Fourth and Fifth streets, they will build out a full length sidewalk between the bike lane and automobile traffic, keeping Lyfts and Ubers physically separated from people on bikes.

Supervisor Kim, who has been a staunch supporter of our push for protected bike lanes on Townsend, is optimistic about the new design and timeline. “The new commitment by the SFMTA to move Townsend towards construction at an accelerated pace is an amazing victory for our residents and workers who utilize one of the busiest corridors in our City and SF Bicycle Coalition members,” said Supervisor Kim. “Over the past month, hundreds of members showed up to fight for this safety project emphasizing the need to update street design for current use and save lives.”

The new commitments by the SFMTA to move Townsend towards construction at an accelerated pace are an amazing victory for SF Bicycle Coalition members. Over the past month, hundreds of members showed up in a number of ways to make this project happen.

SoMa Member Committee Meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 14 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

SF Bicycle Coalition, 1720 Market St.