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Multiple SFMTA crews were out replacing and upgrading "Slow Streets" signs on Shotwell in the Mission, from 14th to Cesar Chavez Thursday morning. From an SFMTA statement on social media:
First up: New signage! The previous signs were prototypes. These are meant to last: They’re affixed to the roadway, highway-grade, and reflective for better visibility at night. They’re going in closer to the center of the street so they can’t be missed.
SFMTA is also installing plastic diverters at major intersections, such as 20th seen here:
A diverter at Shotwell and 20th prevents through traffic and left turns onto Shotwell
Exciting changes are coming to Shotwell Slow Street! We are out here installing *brand new* materials along the corridor to make it a safer space to walk and bike. Shotwell is one of our first Slow Streets to be extended beyond the pandemic, so it’s time for some upgrades. (1) pic.twitter.com/1wu3ArTFda
"I’m happy to see the latest changes," wrote Livable City's Tom Radulovich, who lives in the area, in an email to Streetsblog. "Shotwell slow street has been popular with neighbors, and it’s great that SFMTA has taken the next step towards transforming the street. They will complement the speed humps already installed there."
Streetsblog is in no way blaming the crews. They were rightfully moving the planter because it was partially blocking a disabled parking space. It's just ironic.
The crew left the planter next to this parklet across the street
That's what a city does when it commits to safety, rather than still worrying that solid posts and objects might cause damage to the cars of errant drivers.
These need to be upgraded to bollards. Why are we still usiny flex posts?
SFMTA needs to up its game and start using concrete--something more akin to what Berkeley uses for its Bicycle Boulevards, as seen below:
A bicycle boulevard in Berkeley, blocked by concrete. Photo: Streetsblog NY/Naparstek
"They do seem rather tentative, especially compared to what the most progressive cities are doing," added Radulovich. "I hope Shotwell neighbors get a chance to design some truly permanent improvements for the streets."
Because if SFMTA officials are still expecting motorists to voluntarily and universally respect Slow Streets because of some plastic posts, well, just note how many motorists already ignore the law and, well, common decency, by parking in crosswalks and on sidewalks (such as below, seen multiple times, on Shotwell):
Sidewalk parking is still ubiquitous on Shotwell--and everywhere else. Imagine trying to get down this sidewalk in a wheelchair or with a cane.
Streetsblog has reached out to SFMTA to find out if concrete barriers are in the works and will update this post accordingly, but there's certainly no indication as of yet.
Slow Streets signs on Shotwell, drilled into the asphalt more securely, and centered in the street, but still easy to run over.
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