19th Avenue Is a Safer Walk for Pedestrians

brakeforpeople.jpg
Slowing Down The Number Of Deaths
The number of pedestrians killed by drivers blowing through the deadly stretch of 19th Avenue has hit a new record: zero -- and state Sen. Leland Yee is taking credit for it.

Yee, who is running for San Francisco mayor in 2012, duly noted that the highly traveled roadway which connects San Mateo County to Marin has seen zero pedestrian deaths since 2007, when Yee's legislation that doubled fines for motorists caught speeding down 19th Avenue, went into effect. 

That's compared to the 10 deaths that occurred between the five-year-span of 2003 and 2007.

Pedestrian-safety advocates had tried to solve the ongoing crisis with improved lighting, pedestrian countdown lights, and more visible sidewalks. But it didn't work. In 2007 alone, there were five pedestrian deaths along 19th Avenue.

So Yee worked with community members to implemented steep penalties for driving fast along 19th Ave. between Junipero Serra Boulevard and Lake Street at Highway 1. Drivers now get a double fine -- ranging from $50 to $2,400  -- for excessive speeding, illegal passing, overtaking, and reckless driving.

"We now have the missing piece to the puzzle," Yee says.

Follow us on Twitter at @TheSnitchSF and @SFWeekly  







My Voice Nation Help
0 comments

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

©2013 SF Weekly, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places San Francisco / Bay Area

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city