SF’s Presidio Gets Permanent “Slow Streets”
Parks are vital to our health and well-being. The Presidio Trust implemented the Presidio Slow Streets program to provide additional space for recreation during the COVID pandemic and to create more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the Presidio.
Throughout the program, we’ve listened to the community, collected usage data, and adapted the roadways to current needs. Following the conclusion of a robust public input process in 2021/22, which garnered comments from over 1,000 participants, we’ll make improvements to Presidio Slow Streets in late November and early December 2022 before the program becomes permanent.
The week of November 21, we’ll begin making improvements over a two-to-three-week period, weather permitting. No roads will be closed, but we’ll have flaggers and some minor delays in the park.
The improvements, based on feedback from our community, include methods to calm traffic, allowing those on bicycles, wheelchairs, and on foot to safely enjoy the park. This includes changes to the pavement markings and signage. Many of the existing pavement markings will be removed.
The changes will direct cars toward the middle of the roadway, allowing space for vehicles to move to the edge to pass vehicles in the opposing direction as necessary. Cyclists and pedestrians will be directed to share the edges of the roadway. Periodic pinch points will be installed to keep vehicle speeds low and reinforce this use pattern.
Future Phases
In late 2022 or early 2023, the initial improvements will be supplemented with strategically placed park features, like logs and boulders. Then, as the final phase of improvements to Presidio Slow Streets, custom street art will be added by volunteers, If you’re interested in getting involved, sign up for our volunteer newsletter to hear more about this volunteer opportunity.
Late 2023 or Early 2024
Washington Boulevard, Battery Caulfield Road, and West Pacific Avenue are scheduled to be repaved as part of a paving maintenance project beginning in late 2023 or early 2024. We’ll evaluate how the Presidio Slow Streets measures are working on these streets and make adjustments as necessary.
Read more at Presidio.gov
The Presidio is making their Slow Streets permanent and planning to improve the streets by giving people walking, biking and rolling more safe dedicated space.
Impressed by The Presidio’s work—thanks to @MattyBikes—and hope SF City leaders are inspired to lead on @SlowStreetsSF. pic.twitter.com/FAcZ4WJ0mJ
— Luke Bornheimer 👨👧 (@LukeBornheimer) November 18, 2022
