Letter about SB810 apparently not necessary. Sue
Hello Ped Safety Advisory Committee, we briefly heard about this bill to allow cars to park on the sidewalks last week, Jeanne brought it up at our meeting on 3/28/05.
Apparently there was enough outcry from constituents that Senator Speier dropped the bill. I received the e-mail below from a Walk SF member - Walk SF put out a request for people to write and oppose allowing cars to take over valuable public sidewalk space, endangering all pedestrians in favor of a few drivers.
We will not have to put this item on the agenda for next month, state law will stand as is, allowing no part of a vehicle to block any part of the public right of way.
Thank you,
Cheryl Brinkman Chair, PSAC
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Looks like Senator Speier heard from enough people opposing her SB 810 to give up for now. We must be vigilant, they'll be back.
Thanks to all who contacted appropriate politicians on this issue.
Speier's response follows:
"March 31, 2005
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Castillo:
"Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns about SB 810. As you may know, I have had the distinct privilege of representing San Francisco and San Mateo Counties in the State Legislature for nearly two decades. During my time in the Assembly and now in the Senate, I have consistently advocated for the rights of the disabled and elderly. I have also prided myself on listening to my constituents who have never hesitated to voice their opinions over the years on legislation that I have sponsored.
"Under current state law, anyone whose vehicle obstructs any portion of the sidewalk, may be subject to citation and/or possibly have their vehicle towed. As I am sure you would agree, for a person walking alone, a mother with children, or an elderly or disabled person, the ability to find a secure parking spot close to their home is important. While we may respectfully disagree as to how best to achieve this stated goal that was the intent of SB 810. The bill would have allowed parking in a driveway as long as there was enough room on the sidewalk for everyone to get by, in addition to other possible restrictions.
"The bill originated after several members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors requested it. After the bill was introduced, phone calls and e-mails indicated that there was concern about whether it would work as intended. I've therefore decided to drop the bill and to focus on other issues of concern to my constituents.
"Should you have any additional questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to let my staff and me know. Thank you again for your comments.
"All the best,
"Jackie Speier STATE SENATOR 8th District "
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