The SFMTA's Slow Streets Program is excited to share the latest updates and progress across the network, reflecting our commitment to enhancing safety and livability on San Francisco's neighborhood streets. Here's what's happening:
Slow Streets Mural Pilot Program: Now Accepting Applications!
We are excited to announce a new avenue for community expression on Slow Streets! Launched last November, our pilot program invites community members to bring their artistic visions to life. This initiative aims to blend the traditional safety improvements the SFMTA installs on streets with the vibrant energy unique to San Francisco communities. Our team is collaborating closely with the San Francisco Parks Alliance to bring proposals to fruition. To review the pilot's guidelines document and get involved, please visit SFMTA.com/StreetMurals.
Minnesota Corridor Upgrades Coming Soon
After a public hearing in January, we're gearing up to implement several upgrades along the Minnesota Slow Street. These enhancements include a new diverter island at Minnesota and 19th streets to minimize cut-through traffic, painted-safety zones to slow vehicle turns, and a traffic-calming island between 20th and 22nd streets to reduce mid-block speeds. These measures, complemented by Slow Streets signs and pavement markings, will improve safety for all users on Minnesota Street. Implementation will follow the completion of ongoing sewer work, starting with roadway striping and the installation of flex posts by SFMTA Shops, followed by concrete islands by Public Works later this year. Visit SFMTA.com/MinnesotaSlowStreet for updates.
Next-Generation Sanchez Slow Street Project is Underway
The SFMTA received a Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative grant to support street mural installations on Sanchez Street in collaboration with the San Francisco Parks Alliance. This project represents a fantastic opportunity to infuse the Sanchez Slow Street with local flair and community-driven art, complemented by painted-safety/community zones and traffic-calming islands currently being designed and reviewed with the community. Visit SFMTA.com/SanchezSlowStreet to view the SFMTA's draft proposals for new safety measures on Sanchez Street, and contact SlowStreets@sfmta.com with "Sanchez" in the subject line with your feedback.
Noe Slow Street Outreach in Progress
Our team is actively engaging with the Duboce Triangle community to explore additional measures for the Noe Slow Street. The street currently has an average daily traffic volume of approximately 1,700 vehicles. To help meet the Slow Streets Program's SFMTA Board-mandated traffic volume target of 1,000 vehicles per day, we are reviewing alternative options for a traffic diverter at Noe Street and 15th Street and welcome community feedback on these proposals. Visit SFMTA.com/NoeSlowStreet to learn more, and contact SlowStreets@sfmta.com with "Noe" in the subject line with any comments or suggestions.
Successful Reduction of Vehicle Traffic Volumes on the Cayuga Slow Street
Introducing a traffic diverter at Cayuga Street and Geneva Avenue led to a decrease in traffic volumes. Since implementing the traffic diverter in the summer of 2023, Slow Street vehicle traffic decreased by more than 40 percent, from approximately 2,100 daily vehicles (more than double the Slow Streets Program target) to 1,200 vehicles. This success has improved safety on Cayuga Street for people walking and biking by distributing traffic evenly throughout the area. Following the approval of speed humps last year, we're excited to work with Public Works also to deliver traffic calming later this year.
Looking Ahead
In 2024, the SFMTA Slow Streets team is energized to continue making positive changes across San Francisco's Slow Streets network. From these new and upcoming corridor enhancements to new safety initiatives, including focused upgrades on 20th Street and traffic calming on Hearst Street, we're committed to creating safer, more inviting streets for everyone. Stay up-to-date with our progress and learn more about our efforts at SFMTA.com/SlowStreets.