The recent installation of quick-build parking-protected bike lanes on Valencia Street has improved safety for cyclists; however, issues persist. Notably, vehicles are still obstructing bike lanes, particularly near the Mission police station, raising concerns about enforcement and vehicle accountability. While Streetsblog observed safer traffic conditions during a recent tour, the use of plastic posts instead of concrete barriers leaves bike lanes vulnerable to unauthorized vehicle access. Enhanced infrastructure, including steel barriers and better loading zones for paratransit, is essential to fully secure bike lane safety and accessibility for all users.
Somebody (not me) had already left notes under the wipers pointing out penalties for blocking the bike lane. I walked into the station to ask why they were there and if they could move them, and that went about as well as you'd expect.
When Streetsblog rode, there was a paratransit vehicle loading a man in a wheelchair at the parklet between 20th and 21st. Thanks to the overall project, the street is sufficiently narrowed and traffic seemed calm enough that it wasn't too hard to navigate around.
It underscores the need for steel and concrete posts or barriers to prevent cars from pulling onto the bike lane (with gaps for wheelchair access of course).
The new middle section, meanwhile, is the first part on Valencia to use protected intersections.
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