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San Francisco Pedestrian Safety Legislation Moves Forward

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - Improving pedestrian safety in San Francisco is the goal a legislation package passed by a Board of Supervisors committee Monday.

The board's Land Use and Economic Development Committee passed the legislation, introduced by District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, which would include the formation of a Street Design Review Committee to encourage pedestrian-friendly development.

The proposal would also allow the fire department to interpret fire code street/sidewalk clearance on a case by case basis. Currently, fire code requires streets to be at least 20 ft. wide, a requirement intended to help Fire Department vehicles access the scene of an emergency.

However, Wiener suggested that such wide streets aren't always necessary, and alternative design might improve pedestrian safety without impacting emergency responders.

"Dangerous conditions on our streets affect everyone who uses our roads and particularly vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities," said Wiener.

Legislation to Make SF Safer for Pedestrians Moves Forward

A pedestrian advocacy group that reviewed police data said nearly 1,000 people were hit by vehicles in San Francisco last year and 19 were killed.

The full board was expected to consider it next week.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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