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Plan To Slow Down Golden Gate Park Drivers On Fast Track

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) – Golden Gate Park can be a quiet oasis, a hub of athletic activity. But on most evenings, it can be a virtual freeway for cars zipping through the park.

"What we're seeing is an increase in cars, particularly on JFK, and an increase in speed. And what we want to do is slow that traffic down," Deirdre Hussey, spokesperson for Mayor Ed Lee, told KPIX 5.

The city is fast tracking a new plan to install 10 speed humps along John F. Kennedy Drive, starting at Transverse Drive and extending all the way to the Great Highway.

"I think it's a good idea," said Tais Deschamps. "It's a family place and cars should not speed on these roads ever."

There are already speed humps along Nancy Pelosi Drive in the center of the park.

Unlike speed bumps, speed humps are longer and wider, and have a gradual slope.

The speed hump strategy follows a fatal car wreck back in June. Heather Mill was riding her bicycle through Golden Gate Park along JFK when a hit-and-run driver in a stolen car smashed into her.

Police later arrested 19-year old Nicky Garcia and charged him with murder.

"When I am running, I almost get hit sometimes at the crosswalks," said Hazel Kelly. "So it's definitely important to have that awareness."

The plan is to have the new Golden Gate Park speed humps fully installed by November.

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