Board upholds planning departmentexemption for Mid-Valencia curbside bikeway after hourslong hearing

Acting President Shamann Walton presided over a public hearing on January 28, 2025, and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to affirm the Planning Department's finding that the Municipal Transportation Agency's Mid-Valencia curbside protected bikeway is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA section 21080.25. Supervisor Fielder moved to affirm the determination and Supervisor Dorsey seconded; the motion passed on a roll-call vote after public testimony, with the clerk recording 10 ayes and the item approved (item 26). Items 27 and 28 were tabled.

Why it matters: The Mid-Valencia project would relocate an existing two-way center-running bike lane to curbside, class 4 protected lanes from 15th to 23rd streets, remove or relocate parking and parklets in places, and change curb uses. Supporters say the redesign improves safety and provides easier access to businesses for people on bikes; opponents say the project risks harming a historic commercial corridor, reduces parking and was…