Restoring Parking Access on Lower Great Highway

Lower Great Highway was converted from parallel to angled parking between Lincoln and Kirkham.

Something had to change along the Lower Great Highway near Lincoln. Much-needed parking for the neighborhood had been blocked for years. Large RVs were permanently taking up multiple parking spaces and the curb was often lined with piles of debris.

This caused much frustration as the lack of parking turnover denied access to Outer Sunset residents, beachgoers, and park visitors.

That’s why one of the first things I did after being elected supervisor was ask the SFMTA to reconfigure Lower Great Highway between Lincoln and Kirkham from parallel to angled parking.

The change to angled parking
The process to implement the change from parallel to angled parking was long and arduous. There were two public hearings with speakers in favor and opposition. City agencies did extensive outreach to RV dwellers to offer shelter and services. Some stolen vehicles were discovered and police handled reports of criminal activity. The angled parking reconfiguration was finally completed at the end of April. The before and after photos show a dramatic difference.  

Why not enforce existing parking laws?
Some residents wondered why can’t the city just ticket and tow RVs in violation of local laws? Newer state laws and ongoing court cases limit the city’s ability to enforce posted parking regulations. Tickets can be issued, but towing is no longer allowed in most cases. A vehicle can only be towed if it is abandoned or obstructing traffic and infrastructure.

Changing the physical design of the street was the only option we had to ensure parking turnover and access for regular size cars and vans. 

What’s next?
In the coming months, we will also consider converting La Playa from Lincoln to Irving to angled parking.

While homelessness is an ongoing societal issue, we cannot accept an “anything goes” approach to our streets. In a functioning city, residents and visitors must be able to access the places they need to go.

I support creating sensible spaces for RVs to help people in need. There are unused piers and underused parking lots that could serve as temporary sites for RVs and offer services.

You can read my platform on homelessness here.