A decade after launching the “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate all pedestrian fatalities by 2024, San Francisco acknowledges the unmet goal. However, a recent state law, effective from Monday, aims to address pedestrian safety around crosswalks, though potential challenges exist in a city like San Francisco.
Robie Harnois, a visitor from Connecticut, expressed her bewilderment at San Francisco’s traffic dynamics during her week-long stay. She highlighted the myriad distractions faced by drivers, including scooters, cable cars, pedestrians, and obstacles like tents in the middle of the street.
Assembly Bill 413, signed into law on January 1, prohibits parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This measure, known as “daylighting,” enhances visibility for pedestrians waiting at corners. The law is particularly crucial in areas like the Tenderloin District, where barriers prevent parking near crosswalks, ensuring safety.
However, challenges arise in residential zones like the Sunset District, where an abundance of parked cars lines the streets. Lisa Mouton, a resident, expressed concern about the parking situation, noting that some individuals own multiple vehicles, limiting space for those genuinely in need.
The law applies solely to unmarked intersections, allowing parking at the end of a red-painted curb within 20 feet of the crosswalk. In Sunset neighborhoods lacking barriers or red curbs, cars are frequently parked at the intersection’s edge.
While the new law designates most cars near intersections in violation, some residents, like Hilton, find its practicality questionable. He argued that the tight parking situation in San Francisco, coupled with potentially hefty fines, could pose financial challenges for residents.
In the initial year, San Francisco plans to issue warnings to illegal parkers, deferring ticket enforcement until 2025. The law’s effectiveness and adherence in a city already grappling with parking scarcity will be closely monitored, sparking debates on its practicality and impact on pedestrian safety.