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Mayor and supervisors back more Market Street pilots to prioritize transit, walking and biking
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Summary
Mayor Lee and Board President Chiu said they support additional pilot projects on Market Street, including vehicle diversions and all-door transit boarding, to improve transit travel times, increase safety and support local businesses.
Board President Chiu and Mayor Lee outlined support for additional pilot projects on Market Street during the mayoral appearance and subsequent introductions.
President Chu said a series of pilots on Market Street "reduced community delays and improved safety for people walking and bicycling, while also supporting local businesses." He asked specifically whether the mayor would back a trial to divert private automobiles from downtown Market Street except for crossing movements and whether additional pilots should be implemented while long-term planning continues.
"I've been very supportive of finding ways to improve conditions for all users... and I would be supportive of additional trials and pilots," Mayor Lee replied. He cited prior right‑turn restriction pilots at Sixth and Tenth streets that had "resulted in a 3 percent improvement in travel time on Market Street" and said that each 1 mph increase in Muni average speed saves about $50 million in operating costs.
Potential measures discussed by the mayor and President Chu included improving loading options and times; all‑door transit boarding on Market Street between Van Ness and the Ferry Building; new pedestrian and bicycle treatments and clearer markings for different users; and improvements to crosswalks, especially at numbered streets and Sixth Street.
President Chu said Market Street's repaving window and the Better Market Street design work create a timely opportunity for pilots. He and Mayor Lee emphasized stakeholder engagement—merchants, transit riders, delivery providers, bicycle advocates and public safety officials—before any trials.
No formal ordinance was adopted at the meeting. President Chu said he would introduce a resolution calling for additional pilots; supervisors and the mayor said they would work with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority to identify funding and designs.
