RichmondSFBlog reader Chris sent in a note to me today about the JFK Drive closure in Golden Gate Park. Normally, the area is only closed off to cars on Sundays, but due to the MLK holiday, it was also closed off with barricades this morning.
During his morning jog, Chris noticed the barricades and realized it was due to the holiday. He was looking forward to a car-free run (in the rain?) but said, “I was not long jogging on JFK when I encountered on-coming vehicle traffic! I followed the car back to where I could see it come upon the barrier blocking its egress from the supposed car-free zone, and watched the driver get out, move the barrier, and drive through.”
Chris said he tried to call 311 but they hung up on him. Chris saw several pedestrians in the road, walking, who like him assumed that JFK Drive was closed to traffic.
Chris also called the police and after awhile, they did show up and immediately put the barrier back in place. The cops said that most people don’t think of MLK Day as a holiday that would result in a car-free Golden Gate Park.
So then, why San Francisco, do you leave up the barricades and not enforce the closure? If you don’t have the police to enforce the closure, just leave JFK Drive open to cars. Then pedestrians will know to stay safe on the sidewalks.
And to those drivers out there jumping the barricades I say, really? Really? Wouldn’t it be a clear signal to you that the road is closed when a barrier is strung across it?
Sarah B.
Hmm, MLK day could benefit from being included in the Sunday Streets calendar!Re; Police, I’ll ask at the Police forum, tomorrow, maybe there was a person power shortage. DPT cut more than 20 folks recently who would do the sort of tending needed. There are only 3 park rangers to go around. Through the streets program inclusion it could be formalized with some trusty volunteers signed up for the task rain or no rain!!