Valencia Bikeway Improvements

The SFMTA Board endorsed a Side-Running Bike Lane (SRBL) in June 2024, based on feedback from the community about the need for a design that was more familiar, have more flexibility for vehicle maneuverability and passing, allow people on bikes to visit mid-block locations and keep vehicle and bicycle traffic separate. The new design does have tradeoffs, such as less curb space for parking and loading, a narrower bikeway on parts of the corridor and the need for people riding bikes to navigate between parklets and the curb. 

The Side-Running Bike Lane introduces a new concept to San Franciscans – “floating” parklets. These parklets, which are “floated” away from the curb, have been successful in Oakland and New York City. They allow for people on bikes to travel next to the curb, with floating parklets and parking spots providing protection from moving vehicles. All businesses with parklets on Valencia were given the option to move their parklet to a floating position, with reimbursement for necessary construction. The Shared Spaces program is creating new guidelines for “floating” parklets to ensure safety for people crossing between the parklet and the curb and people on bikes. In situations where a parklet was not able to move, the bike lane goes around the parklet, but infrastructure will be in place to protect people on bikes.

Staff has used this pivot to design down to every inch of the corridor, and maximize space for benefits such as placemaking, additional motorcycle parking and additional blue zones. Staff has also worked with every interested business on Valencia to design a bespoke curb management plan for the corridor that considers the unique parking and loading needs of different types of businesses.  

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Earlier this year, the SFMTA Board endorsed a new bike lane design that runs alongside the curb. However, the location of several parklets (small outdoor seating areas sponsored by businesses) next to the curb meant the bike lane would have to weave around parklets. 

We spent a lot of time talking to business owners, asking if they would move their parklets away from the curb (“floating”) to make room for a straighter bike lane and increased customer parking. We also designed a new program for business owners to be reimbursed up to $30,000 for expenses related to moving their parklets. 

At this point, three businesses have agreed to move their parklets. Other businesses chose not to, because of logistical or financial concerns or because remaining at the curb was easiest for them. Two businesses chose to remove their parklets entirely, prioritizing parking spaces instead.

So, the bike lane will have to weave around most parklets instead of staying straight along the curb. This weaving design means losing one or two parking spaces near each parklet.

We will show this design at our upcoming community meetings, where people can see the changes and share their thoughts. We are especially interested in ideas for using the extra space in less busy areas, as well as making sure that designated color curb assignments work best for merchants nearby. 

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The graphic below shows a sample block of the Side-Running Bike Lane. As illustrated:

• Curbside Parklets: Some parklets will remain at the curb because it is a more convenient location for that business. In those cases, the bike lane will go around the parklet. People on bikes will still be protected from vehicle traffic.

• Floating Parklets: Some parklets will “float” away from the curb to allow for the bike lane to run between the curb and the parklet. This design has been successful in Oakland and New York City. Design and safety elements will be put into place to make sure that people can cross safely between the parklet and the sidewalk.

• Floating Parking Spots: Parking spots will “float” away from the curb. This design already exists on Valencia between Market and 15th streets. This helps preserve parking, while separating people on bikes from vehicle traffic. 

• For a more detailed experience, view this sample block of Valencia Street as a PDF.

If the SFMTA Board approves the new bike lane design, construction could begin as soon as January 2025. We have asked business owners about the best times to do construction and have heard that it is best for us to avoid summertime, the warm fall months and the holiday season, which is why we have planned for construction to begin in early 2025. We know that this is rainy season in San Francisco and will incorporate extra time into our schedule for any weather delays. 

We’ve also created SFMTA’s first Construction Working Group, composed of community members, project staff and staff from SFMTA’s Shops that will do the actual work. This group is helping to plan specifics of the construction schedule and make sure everyone’s needs are considered. We are committed to mitigating the effects of construction as much as possible and making sure that Valencia is accessible during construction, whether by biking, walking or driving. 

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Upcoming Events

The Valencia project team invites the public to two upcoming Open Houses to learn more about the design for the Side-Running Bike Lanes. There will be Spanish translation and interpretation provided. For other languages, please contact us at Valencia@SFMTA.com or 415.646.2025.

Open House 1: Monday, September 23, 4-6 p.m., 390 Valencia (Valencia Gardens Community Room)

Open House 2: Wednesday, September 25, 4-6 p.m., 1125 Valencia (Room 109 at City College Mission Center)

Sign up for email list

We invite you to sign up to get updates on what’s happening on Valencia Street. Once construction begins, this will be the easiest way to get construction forecasts and updates. You can choose to receive emails and/or text messages. The sign-up button is on the top right hand of this page.

Contact us

We welcome your feedback at Valencia@SFMTA.com or 415.646.2025. 

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