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Reducing Automobile Traffic

Reducing Automobile Traffic

We believe a transportation system that prioritizes driving, especially solo driving, runs counter to Vision Zero. A vehicle-oriented future could also further split our transportation system into two: one a comfortable, convenient private system for the affluent; the other, a deteriorating, inefficient public system for working-class and poor people, people of color, immigrants, and the disabled and senior community.

That’s why the city must explore innovative new ways to reduce traffic. Without action, San Francisco risks being choked with congestion and suffering serious health, safety, equity, and climate consequences.

One untapped solution Walk San Francisco supports is congestion pricing, which is a proven tool for managing traffic, speeding up public transportation, and raising funds for street safety improvements.

Furthermore, the City needs to actually manage the ride-sharing and ride-hailing vehicles that add tens of thousands of cars to San Francisco’s streets every day. Walk SF supports ride fees for Uber and Lyft that will fund public transportation and safer streets projects. This is an important first step, but doesn’t go far enough in creating pedestrian-first streets.

Finally, we continue to be strong supporters of public transportation. A fast, frequent, reliable, and affordable transit system is essential to reducing vehicle traffic and is also important for safer streets (research shows that cities with high public transportation ridership have lower per capita traffic fatalities). Learn more about our Safe Routes to Transit campaign.

Banner image: Michael Halberstadt