The Valencia Bikeway Project in San Francisco is set to introduce a significant upgrade to the city’s cycling infrastructure. Driven by community feedback and the need for safer, more efficient bike routes, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Board endorsed a Side-Running Bike Lane (SRBL) design in June 2024. This new approach aims to create a more intuitive and adaptable system for all road users, separating bicycle traffic from vehicles while allowing for flexible vehicle maneuvering and convenient access to businesses along Valencia Street. While the design involves some adjustments, such as modified curb space for parking and a narrower bikeway in certain areas, it prioritizes safety and accessibility for cyclists.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Valencia Bikeway Project is the introduction of “floating” parklets. Inspired by successful implementations in cities like Oakland and New York City, these parklets are strategically positioned away from the curb. This design allows the bike lane to run directly alongside the curb, with the floating parklets and parking spaces acting as a protective buffer from moving vehicles. Businesses with existing parklets on Valencia Street were offered the opportunity to transition to this floating model, with financial support provided for the necessary modifications. The Shared Spaces program is also developing updated guidelines for these floating parklets to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing between the parklets and the sidewalk, as well as the safety of cyclists using the bike lane. In situations where parklets could not be relocated, the bike lane will navigate around them, ensuring continuous protection for cyclists through dedicated infrastructure.
The SFMTA project team has meticulously refined the design, optimizing every inch of the corridor to maximize benefits for the community. This includes incorporating placemaking elements, additional motorcycle parking, and increased blue zone spaces. Furthermore, the team has collaborated closely with businesses along Valencia Street to develop customized curb management plans that address their specific parking and loading requirements.
Construction of the New Bike Lane: What to Expect
Construction on the Valencia Street bike lane is scheduled to commence on February 10, 2025, and is projected to last approximately 2 to 3 months. It’s important to note that wet weather conditions could potentially cause delays, making it challenging to provide a precise completion date at this time. The construction will begin at the intersection of Valencia and 23rd streets and proceed in a northbound direction.
The construction process will be carried out in three distinct phases: first, the removal of the existing center-running bike lane; second, partial repaving of the street surface; and third, the installation of the new side-running bike lane. An additional element of the project involves the removal of overhead Muni power lines between 16th and 17th streets, further streamlining the streetscape.
Throughout the construction period, vehicular and bicycle traffic will be maintained in both directions on Valencia Street. However, there may be instances where temporary single-block closures are necessary to facilitate the work. Some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable during construction. Residents and visitors are advised to pay close attention to posted signage indicating parking restrictions.
While some noise is anticipated during grinding operations, it will be temporary and localized. Significant dust or extensive equipment staging is not expected to be a concern during this project.
The SFMTA has taken into account the feedback from business owners regarding optimal construction timing. Concerns were raised about avoiding the busy summer, warm fall months, and holiday season. Starting construction in February is intended to minimize disruption during typically slower business months.
To ensure community needs are addressed throughout the project, the SFMTA established its first Construction Working Group. This group comprises community members, project staff, and representatives from SFMTA Shops. The Working Group played a crucial role in planning the construction schedule specifics and ensuring that diverse community needs were considered. The SFMTA is committed to mitigating construction impacts as much as possible and maintaining accessibility to Valencia Street for all modes of transportation – biking, walking, and driving – throughout the construction phase.
For any inquiries or concerns during construction, the project team can be reached at [email protected] or 415.646.2025. In case of a construction emergency, please contact the Public Works radio room at 415.695.2134.
Understanding Side-Running Bike Lane Designs
The graphic below illustrates a typical block layout featuring the Side-Running Bike Lane, highlighting key design elements:
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Curbside Parklets: Certain businesses may opt to keep their parklets directly at the curb due to operational convenience. In these instances, the bike lane will be carefully routed around the parklet, ensuring cyclists are still protected from vehicle traffic with designated infrastructure.
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Floating Parklets: A key feature of the design is “floating” parklets, which are positioned slightly away from the curb. This creates a dedicated space for the bike lane between the curb and the parklet. This configuration, successfully used in Oakland and New York City, enhances cyclist safety. Specific design and safety measures will be implemented to ensure safe pedestrian access between the parklet and the sidewalk.
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Floating Parking Spots: Parking spaces will also “float” away from the curb, a design already familiar on Valencia Street between Market and 15th streets. This innovative approach helps maintain parking availability while providing a crucial buffer zone, physically separating cyclists from moving vehicle traffic and improving bike lane safety.
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Your feedback is valuable to us. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments at [email protected] or by calling 415.646.2025.
