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Board approves two‑year Twin Peaks 'figure 8' pilot to create car‑free east loop and two‑way west loop
Summary
SFMTA and Rec & Park won Board approval for a two‑year pilot to convert the east side of Twin Peaks figure‑8 to pedestrian and bicycle use and to reconfigure the west side to two‑way vehicle traffic; supporters say it improves safety and access, opponents warn of tour‑bus conflicts and new safety risks.
The SFMTA Board on Tuesday approved a two‑year pilot to reconfigure the roadways at the Twin Peaks figure‑8. The pilot will convert the east side of the loop to pedestrian and bicycle use while making the west side two‑way to maintain vehicle access and circulation to Christmas Tree Point, officials said.
Melinda Stockman of Recreation & Parks and Cameron Beck of SFMTA outlined coordination between the agencies, safety goals, and outreach: the pilot is intended to address known pedestrian conflicts at the top of Twin Peaks and to inform a longer‑term connectivity plan (Rec & Park will proceed with trail improvements in coordination with the pilot).
Supporters called the pilot a modest, reversible test to create safer, car‑light space for walkers and cyclists; the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Walk SF and SF Urban Riders urged approval and promised outreach and monitoring. Opponents including tour guides, frequent Twin Peaks users and some cyclists urged caution, citing narrow blind curves, tour‑bus parking pressures, litter and emergency‑access concerns. Several commentators said a lateral 'figure‑8' concept or a single‑lane vehicle plus dedicated pedestrian zone around the entire loop would be preferable.
The Board approved the pilot after hearing both sides and directed staff to collect traffic counts, video observations and public feedback during the pilot, followed by a pilot evaluation report and a return to the Board before recommending a permanent design. SFMTA staff said they will conduct data collection across different weather and seasonal conditions and hold community outreach during the pilot.
Next steps: Implement pilot in summer 2016, collect data and survey visitor and resident experience, prepare an evaluation report and return to the Board with long‑term recommendations before the pilot concludes in 2018.
