Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog SF

Walk SF Takes Stock of a Year of Progress Towards Safe Streets

Survivors and victims of road violence talked about “Families for Safe Streets,” an affiliate group of Walk SF, launched in part by Julie Mitchell, seen speaking here. Photo: Streetsblog

Yesterday evening, Walk San Francisco held its holiday "Woonerven" party at SPUR's Urban Center on Mission Street in downtown San Francisco. Woonerven is a Dutch word that translates to "living yard" or "residential grounds," referring to streets that are intended for multiple uses. On a Woonerven street, all are welcome, and cars are limited to "walking speed," explained Nicole Ferrara, Walk SF's executive director, to the crowd.

More than a party, the event was a chance for Walk SF to look back at its accomplishments for the year, talk about planning for 2017, and remind themselves of the importance of making streets safe and livable, especially in the midst of the holiday season. "This is a difficult time of the year," said Julie Mitchell, whose son Dylan was killed by an inattentive truck driver three years ago "Dylan was born on Christmas Day."

Walk SF took donations and held a raffle. They also handed out copies of their annual report, entitled "Street Score 2016." Ferrara gave a presentation, and talked about how far the group has come--and how far it has to go.

A graphic from Walk SF's annual report. Image: Walk SF
A graphic from Walk SF's annual report. Image: Walk SF
A graphic from Walk SF's annual report. Image: Walk SF

The report says Walk SF will continue to strive in five distinct areas: equity, proven approaches, robust projects and treatments, identifying obstacles for safe streets, and encouraging walking and place-making projects. One of those obstacles is a state law that prohibits the use of Automatic Speed Enforcement cameras (ASE) in California. For next year, Ferrara made it clear the campaign to get Sacramento to allow ASE will be a central focus.

In the end, the precise, data-driven goals of Walk SF come back to the human cost of excessively wide streets that encourage dangerous speeding and deter walking and cycling. This basic sentiment was well expressed by a Walk SF-produced short film, There’s Always a Way, by filmmaker Darryl Jones. It debuted at the party and is now available online. This sentimental, animated short really sums up what the livable streets movement, at its core, is all about. Be sure to check it out. And sign Walk SF's petition in support of safe streets for seniors.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

State Transit Transformation Task Force Defers Recommendations for Seamless Transit

The State Transit Transformation Task Force did not move forward with recommendations to coordinate fares and schedules after transit agency pushback. More clarity is needed to emphasize that funding is paramount.

November 12, 2024

At Least Local Transit Initiatives Won Big in Tuesday’s Election

Last Tuesday's election wasn't all bad news for transit.

November 12, 2024

Friday Bikeway Briefs: Ktown, Leimert Park, UCLA, USC, Highland Park, and Tarzana

Recent bike lanes on 43rd St, Westholme Ave, and Mesa Ave. Bike upgrades on First St and on Jefferson Blvd. Slow progress on Reseda Blvd displays city's meager HLA response.

November 12, 2024

Opinion: Yes, the GDP Rises When We Drive More. But That Isn’t A Good Thing.

Expensive hospital stays after car crashes, swelling healthcare spending on sedentary lifestyle diseases, and constant fuel consumption when residents have no choice but driving are all "good" for the national bottom line. But are they good for us?

November 12, 2024

What the U.S. Can Learn From the ‘Bike Mayor’ of Africa, Manuel de Araújo

What can the U.S. learn from developing countries where car dependency hasn't yet taken root — and from the visionary mayors who are fighting to make sure it never does, even in uncertain times?

November 12, 2024
See all posts