Valencia LIVE! returns on Thursday, July 10. Learn all about this lively block party and other great things to do along Valencia.
There’s so much to explore along the Valencia corridor, and we’re here to help you join the party this summer.
In the spring, our teams finished installing protected, side-running bike lanes on Valencia from 15th to 23rd streets. When you ride on these bright green bikeways, you will be separated from traffic by buffer zones, posts and parked cars.
We want to make sure you can enjoy these green lanes to the fullest – especially if you’re new to biking in the city. We also want to help you explore the local businesses and lively events that make Valencia such a special place. Consider this blog your one-stop-shop for all of the above.
New lanes, new video: Behind the scenes of our work to improve safety
To get familiar with the new lanes, you can check out our in-depth video above. It goes behind the scenes of the Valencia Bikeway Improvements Project.
You’ll learn the history of bikeways on this busy street and how we partnered closely with community members to improve safety. Plus, you'll hear directly from people who live and work along Valencia.
Curious about biking the corridor, but not a regular cyclist? We’re here to help!
Learn from the pros: Biking tips from regular commuters
Biking on Valencia’s new side-running, protected lanes.
We recently shared a blog full of tips on how to start commuting by bike in San Francisco. In “‘On Your Left’ and E-Bikes,” you can hear from six of our staffers.
Here’s a solid roundup of their recommendations to get you started:
- Before you start commuting, take your bike to a bike shop and make sure it’s in good repair
- Map out your route and try it for the first time on a weekend.
- Do your first ride with someone or find a bike buddy.
- Take your time. Don’t feel the need to rush through a yellow light; just wait for it to change.
- Communicate with other riders. If you’re passing another rider, make sure they know you’re coming.
For more tips from our staff, check out “‘On Your Left’ and E-Bikes: SFMTA Employees’ Tips on Successful Bike Commuting.” It also covers how to access bike classes and explore e-bikes.
Once you start pedaling on Valencia, you might even discover what local resident Marc Haumann did. “Being closer to slow-moving traffic, pedestrians – helps me slow down and helps me be able to more easily access the businesses,” says Haumann.
Dine and shop Valencia with a go-to guide
Whether you bike, walk or drive to Valencia, you’ll find all kinds of shops and restaurants to explore.
Sean Quigley, founder of Paxton Gate on Valencia, shared, “It's said that Valencia is one of the longest stretches of independent businesses in America – small one-off businesses that are doing really unique things."
For a wide range of options – from bakeries and bars to gift shops and music venues – check out the city’s Shop Dine SF Valencia webpage.
We’re glad to support businesses across the corridor through various project components. We recently finished curb changes to improve loading access. We also added protected left turns at some locations to improve traffic circulation for customers reaching Valencia by car.
Valencia LIVE! brings residents and visitors together along the corridor.
Dance and mingle at Valencia’s upcoming block party
One of the best ways to be part of the fun on Valencia? Stop by Valencia LIVE! on Thursday, July 10 from 5 to 10 p.m. This all-ages block party runs on Valencia from 16th to 19th streets.
You can explore happy hours and deals at local businesses. You can dance to live music, make art and even meet new people.
And if you can’t make it this month, no problem. This block party takes place every second Thursday of the month through October 2025.
For more information, check out the Valencia LIVE! July 10 event webpage.
We’re excited about this new chapter for Valencia, and we’re working to make sure the new bike lane setup works for everyone. Over the coming weeks, you may see our teams doing some final touches along the corridor.