New Auto Restrictions On San Francisco's Market Street Go Into Effect Today

"Come Tuesday, in the latest evolution of the thoroughfare, private vehicles will be barred from turning onto Market between Third and Eighth streets — an effort to reduce the number of collisions injuring pedestrians and bicyclists," writes transportation reporter, Michael Cabanatuan, for the San Francisco Chronicle. 

While the restriction will enhance bus and streetcar traffic by removing autos and trucks from this congested stretch of Market Street, it is considered "(a)n ancillary benefit," notes Cabanatuan. Think of the restrictions as part of the city's Vision Zero implementation, reducing traffic deaths to zero by 2024.

As noted in June, because taxis, unlike Ubers, are not considered private vehicles, they will retain turning privileges. Other vehicles will have to cross Market Street at the intersections as opposed to turn into it.

The turn restrictions could be a harbinger of a redesign of Market Street to further increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists, depending on the outcome of Better Market Street planning decisions. Options "could eliminate cars, or widen sidewalks, or install protected bike lanes," writes Cabanatuan. "Decisions are unlikely for at least a couple of years, and the final design is probably three to four years away — at least."

"Beginning Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, the turn restrictions will be enforced, and violators may be ticketed," according to a notice on the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) website.