Didn’t protected bike lanes on Market Street sound amazing? The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has been fighting for them since the 1970s. Let’s explore the story of this influential organization.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is dedicated to making San Francisco streets safer. It strives to create more livable communities by promoting cycling. Founded in 1971, the SFBC has a long history of bicycle advocacy.
The organization was founded by Jack Murphy with a clear mission. He wanted to promote the bicycle for everyday transportation. The coalition included representatives from groups like the Sierra Club. One of their early successes was car-free Sundays in Golden Gate Park. This was inspired by similar closures in New York’s Central Park.
In the early 1970s, Market Street was reconstructed. The SFBC lobbied for protected bike lanes during this project. These lanes would be between the sidewalk and parking spaces. The plan also included landscaped medians and left-turn pockets. In 1972, the Board of Supervisors approved the project. However, the Department of Public Works opposed the idea. The protected bike lanes were never built. Despite this setback, the SFBC secured bicycle access to other areas. These included the Broadway Tunnel and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The SFBC was mostly inactive during the 1980s. It was re-founded in 1990. By 1996, the group had 1000 members. It also hired its first paid staff member. San Francisco’s 1997 Bicycle Plan added more bike lanes. These were added to streets like Arguello and Howard.
In 2000, the SFBC entered electoral politics. It began endorsing candidates for the Board of Supervisors. The SFBC aimed to ensure cycling issues were discussed during elections. In 2003, the SFBC led a community outreach effort. This involved thousands of residents in updating the Bicycle Plan.
In 2007, the SFBC supported Healthy Saturdays. This aimed to bring back car-free weekends in Golden Gate Park. Sunday Streets was also instituted in 2008. By 2009, the SFBC had over 10000 members.
The SFBC’s primary goal is a citywide network of bike lanes. It envisions bike paths and traffic-calmed streets. This network would connect every neighborhood in San Francisco. The SFBC believes this will lead to safer streets and less congestion. It also supports improved street maintenance and slower car traffic.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition sponsors Bike to Work Day. This encourages commuters to try cycling. The SFBC organizes group rides and provides free snacks.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has transformed San Francisco streets. It has created safer and more livable places for all. Join the SFBC in its mission for a bicycle-friendly city. Your support helps make San Francisco a better place to bike.