“Slower Safer Wiggle” Campaign for Bike Safety

San Francisco's Safe Street Rebel, a stalwart advocacy group for urban safety and accessibility, has launched a dynamic new campaign aimed at revolutionizing one of the city's most iconic thoroughfares, the Wiggle. This bustling east-west artery, weaving through vibrant neighborhoods like The Mission and SOMA to The Richmond and Haight-Ashbury, has long been overshadowed by a dominance of car-centric infrastructure, relegating cyclists and pedestrians to the margins of safety.

Dubbed the “Slower Safer Wiggle,” this initiative represents a bold and visionary effort to reclaim the Wiggle as a space prioritizing the well-being of non-motorized road users. Central to this transformative campaign are innovative safety installations strategically placed to tip the scales in favor of cyclists and pedestrians. Among these enhancements, eye-catching median soft-hit signs have been installed along a critical stretch of Steiner near Duboce Park, serving as a visible reminder to motorists that the road is shared, with bikes and pedestrians deserving of utmost respect and priority.

A spokesperson for the campaign elaborated, stating, “We're mobilizing the public to demand a slower, safer Wiggle by urging them to email city officials. Our communications contain easy-to-use email links, resulting in hundreds of emails sent thus far. Moreover, SSR organizers actively participate in board and city meetings, engaging directly with SFMTA staff to advocate for change.”

Complementing these conspicuous signs are the introduction of median flex posts, strategically positioned to act as physical barriers, compelling vehicles to reduce speed and discouraging reckless maneuvers along this vital corridor. Moreover, the corridor from Duboce to Pierce has been adorned with red-painted daylighting curbs, aligning with the state law AB413. These striking red curbs not only enhance visibility but also serve to encourage drivers to slow down well in advance of crosswalks, ensuring a safer passage for all, including pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, and families with strollers.

Highlighting the impact of these improvements, the spokesperson noted, “Steiner Street between Duboce and Waller witnesses a significant volume of bike traffic, yet previously lacked adequate safety measures, leading to frequent conflicts between motorists and cyclists.”

For Safe Street Rebel, the “Slower Safer Wiggle” campaign transcends the boundaries of a single street; it's a rallying cry for city leaders to prioritize safety and accessibility across San Francisco's entire bike network. Drawing inspiration from the successful models of the Slow Streets network, SSR advocates for innovative solutions that benefit all road users, underscoring the urgent need for change.

In tandem with the installation of “Slower Safer Wiggle” features, Safe Street Rebel is pressing for immediate action from the City, advocating for the removal of cars from Steiner to enhance access to Duboce Park, particularly benefiting elderly and disabled residents. Additionally, they propose the implementation of Slow Streets-style diverters and median soft-hit posts throughout the Wiggle, aiming to curb the rampant issue of cars speeding past cyclists. Another ambitious proposal calls for the elimination of eastbound car traffic on Duboce between Belcher and Church, envisioning a bustling car-free plaza in its place.

Safe Street Rebel's tireless advocacy extends beyond mere rhetoric. From weekly protests against car traffic on the Great Highway to guerrilla infrastructure installations and community slow rides, they have employed a diverse array of tactics to effect change. Their commitment to non-hierarchical, non-violent direct action underscores their unwavering dedication to creating safer, more equitable streets for all in the city by the bay.