The Presidio Continues to Improve Bike Safety

San Francisco, CA (April 01, 2024) – Three months of data now indicate that improvements made by the Presidio Trust in late 2023 and early 2024 along Arguello Boulevard are effective in promoting safer bicycle travel and connectivity. The series of changes between the Arguello Gate and Washington Boulevard have resulted in a reduction in average vehicle speed from 28 and 26 mph northbound and southbound, respectively, to 20 mph in both directions. This means that approximately 85% of the vehicles are traveling at a speed 6-8 miles per hour slower than before the changes.

The roadway improvements, which incorporated feedback from San Francisco bike safety groups, included installation of speed cushions and rumble strips, narrowing of vehicle lanes in key areas to provide a larger buffer between cyclists and drivers, installation of K71 bollards, and installation of roadway markings and signage to raise motorist awareness of cyclists and to help cyclists navigate. Due to the narrow roadway alignment, grade, and sensitive natural habitat adjacent to the roadway, the Trust is not considering K Rail, or concrete barriers.

“We’re glad that the Presidio Trust has been proactive in working with us to improve safety for people who bike on this iconic roadway,” says Christopher White, interim executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. “Their data-driven approach shows that these near-term improvements are helping and gives us confidence that the planned long-term improvements will continue that momentum.”

“KidSafe SF applauds the Presidio’s efforts to enhance street safety for our city’s youngest residents,” says Trish Gump, KidSafe SF volunteer organizer. “The reduction in average vehicle speeds is a positive step toward creating safer spaces for cyclists and pedestrians, especially children. We look forward to collaborating on a design of the Arguello Final Bike Safety Project that further protects all road users.”

A long-term plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the Presidio called Paving Plus is underway, involving the necessary repaving of four miles of roadway and nine parking lots, beginning in late summer. A critical component is working with bicycle advocacy groups and the City of San Francisco to coordinate bike lane improvements with the City’s wider Arguello Safety Improvement Project, just outside of the park gate.

Paving Plus is part of a larger suite of infrastructure projects underway in the park, called Presidio Forward. Visit the website to learn more. https://presidio.gov/about/presidio-forward

About the Presidio + Presidio Trust

The Presidio is one of America’s most visited national park sites, located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Spanning 1,500 acres next to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio is among the most biologically diverse parks in America. Historically a home to native peoples and a military post under three flags, its facilities have been reinvented as museums, restaurants, hotels, homes, and offices. The Presidio Trust is the federal agency that stewards the Presidio, in partnership with the National Park Service and with support from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The Trust sustains the Presidio by leasing homes and workplaces and offering visitor amenities. Learn more at presidio.gov.