Sen. Leland Yee: Improvements for 19th Ave.

Nineteenth Avenue is a vital thoroughfare for our community, providing a convenient connection between Highway 280 and the west side of San Francisco.Ê

Unfortunately, in recent years it has also become one of the most dangerous stretches of road in San Francisco. Between 2000 and 2005, we have seen 786 accidents on 19th Avenue, which have resulted in 1,205 injuries and 12 deaths, predominantly of pedestrians.

There are simply too many drivers hurtling down the road in a residential neighborhood with a reckless abandon, and it is our shared responsibility to step in to protect the public.

Thankfully, we are seeing action from the state and local governments that will reduce the risk associated with walking, biking or driving down 19th Avenue. CalTrans is implementing many new features along 19th Avenue that will work to make commuters and pedestrians safer.

ÊIn the coming months new traffic signals will be installed at key intersections along 19th Avenue, which should make them more visible to drivers and pedestrians.Ê

In addition, countdown timers will be added to pedestrian signals so people on foot will be able to better gauge how much time they have in order to safely cross the street.

Also, ramps will be built in order to better direct pedestrians towards the crosswalks and keep us all safer.Ê

The Department of Transportation should be commended for making these common-sense improvements as they will work to lessen the number of accidents along 19th Avenue.

The Municipal Transit Authority is also stepping up its efforts to improve safety along 19th Avenue. The department is currently running studies of particular intersections determined to be dangerous by a combination of accident statistics and community input.Plans are also in place to install "bulbouts," a kind of sidewalk extension, at bus stops, which would reduce the amount of time it would take pedestrians to cross the street, allow a greater range of vision for those at the stop, and make them more visible to motorists. Ê

While these improvements will no doubt improve conditions on 19th Avenue, many in our community worry they still aren't enough. That is why I have decided to reintroduce legislation to make 19th Avenue a double-fine zone. The specifics of the bill are currently being worked out, but the general idea is to institute double-fine zones in any section of state roads where there is an abnormally high accident or fatality rate.

These increased fines will be levied in cases of unlawful passing, excessive speed, reckless and drunken driving, and other similar violations.

The battle to make 19th Avenue safer has been a long one, but through the efforts of state of local governments, community organizations and dedicated residents, we will soon have safer streets in our City.

Sen. Leland Yee is the assistant president pro tempore at the California state Senate.