New Shared Spaces Program should prioritize using street space, not sidewalks

Let’s keep sidewalks as… sidewalks

When Mayor London Breed announced the new Shared Spaces Program to allow the use of public space to support local business activities such as outdoor restaurant seating, we thought this was a great idea to boost economic recovery… with one exception. 

Sidewalks with insufficient space should not be used. It’s already hard enough to navigate sidewalks safely with social distancing, and we need to be sure there’s clear passage for people using wheelchairs. Instead the City should prioritize restaurants that use street space, like parking spots. 

Together, members of the Vision Zero Coalition’s Senior & Disability Workgroup including Walk SF sent a letter to Mayor Breed and our City’s department heads detailing how the Shared Spaces Program can and must ensure accessibility on our sidewalks.

Banner image: @burritojustice via Twitter