Supervisor Jake McGoldrick:Street sweeping changes

San Francisco "summer" greetings to all. For this month's column, I am going to share with you some information about the recent cut in our street cleaning services, some tips on bike safety and information on upcoming community meetings.

Mechanical Street Sweeping Reductions
As you may have noticed, the SF Department of Public Works (DPW) implemented a reduction in the citywide street sweeping program as part of this fiscal year's budget. The program reduction was based on DPW data on residential density, complaints to 311 and staff observations. Richmond residents have been the first to be affected, as the program was implemented in District 1 in the last month. I am concerned about the information the program reduction was based on, and introduced a resolution urging the Department of Public Works to hold public hearings and solicit feedback from those who live on the streets and know first-hand the "data" on cleanliness.

I have called for a hearing at City Hall on this program at the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee on Oct. 16, at 1 p.m. Please show up and let the Department of Public Works know your thoughts about your streets.

Bike Safety
With the recent great weather, there are few excuses for folks to not ride their bicycles. Cycling has become a popular alternative to cars for many reasons, including fitness, escaping high gas prices, green transport or just fun. Cycling is easier and safer than many people think.

With more bikes on the road, motorists need to be extra careful and make sure to allow plenty of room for those on two wheels. It is important to note that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities when bicycling as when driving.

A few special safety tips to keep in mind include:

- Follow the same provisions that apply to motorists;

- Use your head and wear a helmet;

- Use proper reflective and lighting gear when riding at night;

- Use the bike lane, not the sidewalk (if no bike lane is available, bicyclists are allowed to use the full traffic lane);

- Ride predictably and use arm signals to indicate stops and turns. Following these tips, along with riding safely and alertly, should help minimize any potential for accidents.

In the event that an accident does occur, first assess your injuries and call for an ambulance if needed. Call the police to the accident if there are any injuries and file a detailed police report either way. Make sure to write down all of the information on the driver's license, insurance card and license plate. If there are witnesses, write down their contact information. Assess the damage to your property and take pictures of the evidence. You should then follow up with the driver's insurance company if necessary.

For those of you who want to get out there on your bike but need a little help and guidance, there are free bike classes led by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's Urban Bike Education. You can sign up online at www.sfbike.org/edu.

Upcoming Meetings
By now all of you have heard about the unfortunate homicide that took place at 15th Avenue and Cabrillo Street on the 17th of September. Jordan McKay, 23, a Richmond District resident, was on his way home from work in Berkeley when he was shot and killed.

There was a meeting held by the Central Richmond District Safety Committee at the Richmond Police Station on Oct. 1. Representatives from the SFPD, SF SAFE and the Safety Network were present to speak and answer questions about the incident and to learn about improving safety. Please call my office if you are interested in learning of upcoming meetings hosted by the Central Richmond District Safety Committee.

If you have any information or questions regarding this incident, please call one of the following numbers: Homicide detail - 553-1145, anonymous tip line - 575-4444, operations center - 553-1071.

Richmond District Cleanup
You are invited to a cleanup event hosted by "Keep Our Neighborhood Clean," a program of the Richmond District Neighborhood Center. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 4. If you are interested in pitching in, please show up at the Richmond Recreation Center at 251 18th Ave. (between Clement and California streets). For questions, e-mail KONCSF@hotmail.com or call (415) 752-0185. Show your civic pride and have fun! Materials provided by the SF Department of Public Works.

Jake McGoldrick is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 1.