San Francisco has taken another step toward making bicycling safer and more convenient, officials said.
The new “Green Wave” on Valencia Street allows bicyclists traveling at a moderate pace to encounter a green light at 10 timed traffic signals, SFMTA spokesman Paul Rose said.
The new signal timing decreased the signal progression from 25 to 13 mph.
Traffic signals are now timed so bicyclists and motorists traveling at 13 mph encounter green lights as they travel north or south on Valencia Street between 16th and 25th Streets, Rose said.
San Francisco is the first city in the world to provide a two-way Green Wave, Rose said.
“Green Waves are the most recent example of the SFMTA finding innovative ways to further improve cycling in San Francisco,” said Nathaniel P. Ford, SFMTA CEO/Executive Director.
The new signal timing will also help to decrease the idling time of vehicles which will help save gas and decrease the amount of air pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted, Rose said.
“The Green Wave signals and the safer, calmer speeds are another step in the right direction for Valencia Street,” said Renee Rivera, Acting Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
Four new Green Wave signs will be installed this week to help alert bicyclists and motorists using the corridor, Rose said.
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