San Francisco Restaurant Owner Begins Hunger Strike to Protest Valencia Street Bike Lane

Eiad Eltawil, the owner of Yasmin Mediterranean restaurant and Rossi Mission SF artwork store in San Francisco, has begun a 30-day hunger strike to protest a new bike lane on Valencia Street. The bike lane, implemented as a 12-month trial by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), has eliminated 70 parking spaces and left turns, causing at least 10 business closures and increased accidents in the area.

Eltawil claims that the bike lane has created a parking deficit, shortened the time drivers can use the remaining spots, and made it nearly impossible for deliveries, leading to a "complete mess." He and his attorney, Jim Quadra, have provided evidence to the SFMTA showing the negative impacts of the bike lane, including increased traffic congestion and accidents. However, they say the agency has refused to address the neighborhood's complaints, providing only "generic answers" and being unresponsive.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the Valencia Street bike lane highlights the ongoing tension between efforts to promote alternative transportation and the needs of local businesses. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how the city balances these competing interests in future infrastructure projects.

The SFMTA has stated that it will continue to work with stakeholders to find solutions, but has not directly addressed the claims made by Eltawil and Quadra. Eltawil says he is willing to pursue legal action against the city and hopes his hunger strike will raise awareness about the issues faced by businesses due to the bike lane implementation. "The bike lane has created a parking deficit, shortened the time drivers can use the remaining spots, and eliminated left turns, leading to increased traffic congestion and accidents," Eltawil stated. The SFMTA's 12-month trial of the Valencia Street bike lane continues amidst the ongoing controversy and Eltawil's hunger strike protest.

Key Takeaways

• San Francisco restaurant owner begins 30-day hunger strike to protest new bike lane
• Bike lane eliminated 70 parking spaces, left turns, leading to 10 business closures
• Owner claims bike lane caused parking deficit, delivery issues, increased accidents
• Owner and lawyer provided evidence to SFMTA, but agency unresponsive to complaints
• Dispute highlights tension between promoting alternative transport and local business needs