Citizens Savor San Francisco’s Sunday Streets Program

Savoring four hours of car-free, open streets in San Francisco, Bay Area citizens came out to play on May 10, one of six Sunday Streets offered in 2009. Toddlers on Big Wheels, roller-bladers, families strolling along and bicyclists of all ages reveled in the safe 3rd Street waterfront route in San Francisco’s southeast sector.

“Sunday Streets is considered an extension of our City’s Shape-Up San Francisco program which encourages healthy eating and active living,” said Gavin Newsom, mayor of San Francisco, in an open letter to the public. “As a logical next step toward our goal of a healthier San Francisco, the Sunday Streets initiative promises to achieve this same goal with even greater opportunities for our residents to participate in fitness programs and activities while also fostering more community interaction.”

Free activities on May 10 included nature walks and a “treasure trek” along the San Francisco Bay Trail, which was celebrating its twentieth anniversary. AT&T Park was open for two hours for people to run the bases in the Giants’ ballpark, and various dance demos were offered at China Basin. There was something for everyone: free bicycle rentals, yoga, roller soccer, baseball – even hula-hooping – or just people-watching.

Sunday Streets is presented by the Municipal Transportation Agency and Livable City, a local transportation-oriented nonprofit group, with participation from over 50 community-based groups. The first of six Sunday Streets in 2009 kicked off along the Embarcadero on April 26. Remaining Sunday Streets, all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are:

• June 7, July 19 – Through the Mission (According to Mayor Newsom’s office, the planned route will travel from Garfield Park to Dolores Park via Harrison, 24th Street, Valencia Street and 19th Street.)
• August 9, September 6 – Great Highway (Route information to be announced)

For additional information, go to sundaystreetssf.com

— Georgia Lambert