Watch CBS News

Coronavirus Update: San Francisco Unveils Its Slow Street Program To Help With Social Distancing

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Following Oakland's lead, San Francisco officials unveiled a list of 11 city streets that will be partially shutdown to through traffic to allow residents to take walks while maintaining social distancing until the current coronavirus shelter in place order.

Oakland put a similar strategy in place earlier this month.

With Muni service reduced, many San Francisco residents are walking or taking other modes to make essential trips and exercise. Some are choosing to walk or jog in the street to maintain social distance.

"As a result of this pandemic, our transportation system has had to undergo major changes that have affected the way many of our residents get around the city," said Breed in a release. "While traffic congestion has dropped, it is still difficult for people maintain physical distance on many sidewalks...this program will help people keep six feet of distance from others."

Breed also credited Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf "for putting these kinds of proposals forward, and we will continue to work with our regional partners to adapt as this pandemic evolves."

Official said implementation would occur in phases and would be based on streets that could supplement reduced or suspended Muni routes with improved bicycle and pedestrian access to essential services.

"Our agency is committed to giving San Franciscans the necessary space to practice social distancing as they leave their homes for critical needs," said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. "The purpose of Slow Streets is to accomplish those goals, while managing traffic speeds and creating a safe network for essential walk and bike travel while transit service levels are reduced."

Here are the streets included:

    • 17th Street -- from Noe to Valencia -- nearby Muni lines: 22 Fillmore, 33 Stanyan

 

    • 20th Avenue -- from Lincoln to Ortega -- nearby Muni lines: 28 - 19th Ave

 

    • 22nd Street -- from Valencia to Chattanooga -- nearby Muni lines: 48 Quintara

 

    • 41st Avenue -- from Lincoln to Vicente -- nearby Muni lines: 18 - 46th Ave

 

    • Ellis -- from Polk to Leavenworth -- nearby Muni lines: 27 Bryant, 38 Geary

 

    • Holloway -- from Junipero Serra to Harold -- nearby Muni lines: 7th Avenue, N Judah

 

    • Phelps -- from Oakdale to Evans -- nearby Muni lines: 23 Monterey, 44 O'Shaughnessy

 

    • Ortega -- from Great Highway to 14th Avenue -- nearby Muni lines: 7 Haight

 

    • Page -- from Stanyan to Octavia -- nearby Muni lines: 7 Haight

 

    • Quesada -- from Lane to Fitch -- nearby Muni lines: 23 Monterey, 44 O'Shaughnessy

 

    • Scott -- from Eddy to Page -- nearby Muni lines: 24 Divisadero

 

Please visit for a map of candidate Slow Streets, updated Muni service, and the latest agency updates.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.