San Francisco is seeking input from locals to determine JFK Drive’s future.
At 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is one of the largest public parks in the world. It receives thousands of visitors each day, many of whom enjoyed JFK Drive’s temporary car-free state through the pandemic.
Many San Franciscans have advocated to keep cars off of JFK Drive for decades, and it looks like it just might happen. The city has launched a massive public outreach program seeking public input on several proposed plans for the street’s future. Options include making the current closure permanent, returning to the pre-pandemic configuration which allows cut-through traffic from private vehicles, or providing limited access on JFK Drive from 8th to Transverse.
The closure of JFK Drive has resulted in the elimination of cut-through vehicle traffic, which accounted for 75% of vehicles; no serious injury collisions; improved efficiency on the 44 O’Shaughnessy Muni line, and a 36% increase in parkgoers walking, biking, and rolling down the car-free street. That said, it has also decreased accessibility for those in the disabled community who are unable to get into certain areas of the park without a car.
Moving SF – Improving Safety and Access to Golden Gate Parkhttps://t.co/4t6PYH6gss pic.twitter.com/yityzsL8Ml
— SFMTA (@sfmta_muni) September 22, 2021
Here are some other proposals to improve transportation and accessibility in Golden Gate Park:
- Adding ADA-accessible parking spaces and accessible paths of travel
- Establishing taxi stands at the Music Concourse
- Establishing a free-to-use 15-minute drop-off zone within the Concourse garage
- Improving wayfinding within the park
- Upgrading existing in-park shuttle service
- Establishing dynamic parking rates in the Concourse garage
- Expanding bikeshare and scootershare services into Golden Gate Park
- Extending current adaptive bikeshare pilot program in the park
- Permitting pedicab service in Golden Gate Park
- Modifying intersections in and around the park to mitigate congestion and improve traffic safety
(via SF Rec & Parks)
If you want to give feedback on the proposed changes to JFK Drive, consider attending an information session or virtual tour through the Golden Gate Park Access and Safety Program. They’ll also hold an online open house.
Featured image: @sfrecpark via Instagram