On Tuesday, a group of approximately 40 protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the center bike lane on Valencia Street, just south of 16th and Valencia. The demonstration, consisting of business owners, local residents, and a few cyclists, aimed to express dissatisfaction with the lane and called for the resignation of Jeff Tumlin, the director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

The Valencia center bike lane, which stretches from 15th to 23rd streets, has been a source of conflict since construction began in April. Businesses in the area have raised concerns over the loss of around 70 parking spaces and new restrictions on turning for cars. Some cyclists have also criticized the design, claiming that it creates a dangerous and challenging "bicycle freeway."

Several signs were displayed during the protest, demanding Jeff Tumlin's resignation and decrying the bike lane's impact on the local community. Among the business owners present was Blondie's Bar owner Nikki DeWald, who is also a director of the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association. DeWald stated, "We've been in business for 33 years and this was the worst six months we've ever seen. We love bikes, but not this bike lane."

Eiad Eltawali, the owner of Mediterranean restaurant Yasmin at Valencia and 19th, expressed concern about the decline in foot traffic since the implementation of the bike lane. Eltawali revealed that he had been personally covering business expenses for the past six months due to the significant drop in customers, estimating a 30 to 40 percent decrease.

Although it is difficult to assess the exact impact on foot traffic along Valencia Street, the SFMTA has been collecting data on various metrics to evaluate the success of the bike lane during its 12-month trial period. Initial findings were scheduled to be presented this month; however, the report's release has been delayed due to a later-than-anticipated start in data collection.

While studies conducted in other cities have generally shown positive effects of protected bike lanes on local businesses, anecdotal evidence from Valencia Street suggests a different reality. Business owners have raised concerns not only about declining footfall but also about difficulties in unloading supplies along the corridor. Parking tickets have accumulated for some owners, such as Eltawali, who are unable to legally unload supplies in front of their establishments.

The protest on Valencia Street was followed by an SFMTA Board meeting, where frustrations with the center bike lane were expressed during public comment. However, there was no consensus on a solution. Suggestions included reverting the street back to its previous layout, relocating the bike lane to a residential street, implementing protected bike lanes at the sides of the road, or even full pedestrianization of the street.

SFMTA director Jeff Tumlin defended the bike lane plans, emphasizing the need to balance support for businesses with improving safety on the dangerous corridor. Valencia Street is classified as part of the high injury network, with a history of accidents and fatalities. As of this year, two fatalities occurred on the street, emphasizing the urgency of finding a resolution that addresses both safety concerns and the needs of businesses.

The SFMTA will continue to provide updates on the bike lane trial on their official website.