Concerns over pedestrian safety took center stage at the recent San Francisco County government meeting, where community members passionately voiced their experiences and support for the proposed Street Safety Act. The act aims to enhance safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists in response to alarming traffic incidents in the city.

One resident from the Lower Haight shared a harrowing experience of nearly being hit by a Waymo self-driving car while crossing at a designated crosswalk. "It's really scary," they emphasized, highlighting a recurring issue of vehicles disregarding pedestrian right-of-way. This sentiment was echoed by several speakers who expressed frustration over the perceived prioritization of vehicles over pedestrians in city planning.

Tina Martin, a supporter of the Street Safety Act, praised Supervisor Melgar for her leadership, stating, "Slow down, don't drive too fast. We cherish life." She underscored the act's potential to reform the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, which aims to address dangerous speeding in residential areas.

The meeting also featured voices of concern regarding the rise of e-scooters and e-bikes on sidewalks, with one speaker urging for accountability to protect pedestrians. "Where is the responsibility to ensure the safety of all the people who walk the sidewalks of San Francisco?" they questioned.

Support for the Street Safety Act was widespread, with many speakers calling for immediate action to prevent further tragedies. Diana Motto, a senior citizen, passionately argued for pedestrian safety, stating, "Are we just gonna continue to get injured and killed because pedestrians come last?"

While some attendees raised concerns about the effectiveness of previous initiatives like Vision Zero, others emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. "We need safe streets now," urged Nancy Arbuckle, a car-free resident, advocating for urgent action to protect vulnerable road users.

As the meeting concluded, the overwhelming consensus was clear: San Francisco must prioritize pedestrian safety and take decisive steps to implement the Street Safety Act. With traffic-related fatalities surpassing homicide rates in the city, the urgency for change has never been more critical. The act is set to be voted on soon, with advocates hopeful for a positive outcome that could reshape the future of San Francisco's streets.