San Francisco's Valencia Street is bracing for a significant change as construction crews are set to dismantle the current center-running bike lane starting Tuesday to make way for the new side-running lanes. According to KTVU, the bike lane overhaul along Valencia Street, which spans from 15th to 23rd Streets, is a response to the SF Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) decision after extensive community feedback. The move comes after the center-running bike lane pilot program, introduced in 2023, faced criticisms over traffic pattern changes. Cyclist Chandler Abraham lamented the loss, telling KTVU, "I feel like when it's on the side, it's very broken up, versus once you get into this thing, you’re safe all the way until it ends."

According to KTVU, the SFMTA has plans to implement "floating parklets" that will allow the bike lanes to flow alongside the sidewalks, although some "curbside parklets" will remain depending on business convenience. However, this redesign is not without controversy. As reported by the SF Chronicle, recent incidents like a clash over a loading zone in front of Mission Pet Hospital have highlighted the delicate balance of needs on the bustling street. The SFMTA has agreed to install the bike-share station that was originally set to replace the hospital's loading zone around the corner on 18th Street instead after feedback from concerned patrons and workers.

The SFMTA's promise to maintain access to businesses has done little to quell the unease among locals who anticipate traffic delays and the loss of some street parking. As work starts on the southern end at 23rd Street and likely at multiple locations simultaneously, the SFMTA has stated that construction will not impact business access, although it may cause delays. The projected timeline estimates a two to three-month period to complete the revamp, with construction occurring between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, weather permitting, as per KTVU.