Susan Silber and Kimery Leong: Cabrillo Street Bike Lanes moving Forward

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) is working with the Richmond Neighborhood Coalition and others to implement a bicycle lane on Cabrillo Street as part of a citywide effort to form a network of bike lanes across all neighborhoods.

Cabrillo Bike Lanes

Why was Cabrillo Street chosen for new bike lanes? Cabrillo is a natural fit for this city's bicycle network as a thoroughfare to Ocean Beach. It is a wide and quiet street with no bus line and it is flat in comparison to its neighboring streets - a bicyclist's dream in San Francisco. Few businesses criss-cross the street, but a number of schools and playgrounds do, drawing children from across the Richmond.

Many bicyclists already use the street for their commute, crossing over from the often-dangerous and poorly-lit John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park, a street more comparable to a freeway than a park. Also, the bike lane can be added without reducing the amount of parking that is available for cars.

"I like using Cabrillo because it's flat and calm," says Cherie Chan, a Richmond resident and regular bike commuter.

"Getting around by bike is not only easy, but fun too. I never have trouble parking," Chan said.

With a designated space for bicycles on various city streets, hopefully more people will feel comfortable biking around town. Bike lanes also help slow down speeding motorists.

Parents might also appreciate the bike lane and justly interpret it as a sign that the street is safe enough to allow their children to ride to school.

Some skeptics might deem the bike lane unnecessary, arguing that the street is already calm and wide enough for safe riding. But others disagree, saying the bike lane will help make the street even safer and bring awareness to motorists so they look for bicyclists.

Bike to Work Day

Most people save bicycle riding for weekend fun. However, the same good wholesome fun can be enjoyed on weekdays too, especially on Thursday, May 16 - San Francisco's annual Bike to Work Day.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will set up several Energizer Stations throughout the city to encourage riders. Each will provide snacks, drinks and other goodies.

If it is your first time riding to work, these tips will make your ride safe and simple:

· Wear layered clothing - you know the fog is coming;

· Ride at least four feet away from parked cars to avoid getting hit by swinging doors;

· Wear a helmet;

· Use headlights, tail lights and reflectors at night;

· Use hand signals to alert others of your turns;

· Ride in a predictable straight line and stay off sidewalks (the pedestrian's safe space);

· Lock your frame and both wheels to an immovable post;

· Drink water, enjoy the fresh air and smile because that's one less trip to the gym.

A good route to get downtown from the Richmond is to take Cabrillo Street to 10th Avenue into Golden Gate Park. Turn left onto John F. Kennedy Drive and use the crosswalks at Stanyan Street to get on the bike path in the panhandle. Turn right on Scott Street, left on Page Street and left onto Market Street. If you need a ride home, most Muni buses have bike racks installed.

For more details about Bike to Work Day and where the Energizer Stations are, check out www.sfbike.org/events.

You can also check out the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's web site (www.sfbike.org") or call 431-BIKE for more information about Cabrillo bike lanes and Bike to Work Day. As well, anyone can get a free bike map and bike safety brochure from the SFBC.

To voice your opinion about the Cabrillo bike lanes, write a letter or e-mail to your supervisor, Jake McGoldrick, telling him your position or offering suggestions. To learn more about biking call the Bicycling Information Hotline at 585-BIKE.

Susan Silber and Kimery Leong are members of the SF Bicycle Coalition.