A big win for safer streets: the Board of Supervisors passes ‘daylighting’ resolution
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution urging the SFMTA to add red ‘no parking’ paint to all intersections in support of California’s new ‘daylighting’ law. We’re grateful to the Board for uniting on this crucial Vision Zero action, which was led by Supervisor Walton.
Last year, California Assembly Bill 413 was passed and has the potential to make our streets notably safer for everyone.
This state law means it’s now illegal for all drivers – everywhere in California – to park within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk at the corners where their vehicle is facing the crosswalk. Called ‘daylighting,’ this reduces crashes by up to 30% by increasing visibility for both drivers and people outside of vehicles.
Daylighting is one of the cheapest, easiest solutions available to make streets significantly safer for everyone. When vehicles (especially large vehicles) are parked all the way to the crosswalk, a driver can’t see someone stepping into the crosswalk – or oncoming vehicles. And pedestrians can’t see if a vehicle is coming without having to step into traffic.
Daylighting is a solution Walk SF has been pushing to be implemented citywide for years.
Walk SF will be asking the SFMTA to do exactly what the Supervisors have asked for – and then some.
Hoboken, New Jersey hasn’t had a traffic death in seven years, and extensive daylighting is one of the top reasons credited for why. But Hoboken not only paints daylighting at every intersection, it installs protective infrastructure in the space like posts, bike racks, and planters to prevent drivers from illegally parking there. This ensures clear sight lines every moment of the day.
And that’s what ultimately is needed on the high-injury network here in San Francisco. That’s one thing we’ll be pushing for as part of our daylighting campaign in 2025. The difference this solution could make on our streets can’t be overstated – and is a crucial piece of the City accelerating progress on Vision Zero.
We’ll share more in the New Year, but in the meantime, if you’re excited about daylighting, please invest in our work in 2025 with a donation today! Your gift goes straight to Walk SF’s policy, advocacy, and organizing for safe streets solutions.
