San Francisco launches first 'home zone' effort for pedestrians, bicyclists

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) said recently that the city has launched its first ‘home zone” project, which is designed to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety by decreasing speeding.

The SFMTA, which is responsible for all ground transportation in San Francisco, took a holistic approach to improving the safety and walkability of a six-block neighborhood. The organization used speed humps, raised crosswalks and narrowed roadways to make a “home zone,” in which traffic-calming measures are implemented to make pedestrians and bicyclists the first priority.

"With so many kids and parents who get to Marshall Elementary by foot, bus or bike, improving safety was critical,” City Supervisor David Campos said. “We are thrilled to see that traffic is slowing down and that our families and community feel safer thanks to the home-zone project.”

Thanks to this successful project, more people are walking throughout the small Mission District neighborhood.

“San Francisco’s first home zone not only reduced vehicle speeds -- it also made neighbors feel safer overall as they walk around,” Ed Reiskin, SFMTA's director of transportation, said. “Projects like these support our Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic deaths and help us redesign neighborhood streets to make them safer and more inviting for our communities.”