Anyone who wanted to get downtown on
skates would probably have to walk or ride Muni part of the way. That is because they
would not be able to use most busy streets downtown or South of Market. Townsend Street
would probably be a skating route, and skaters' would have use other means to get
downtown. At the outset, the numbers of people participating will not be that
high," said David Miles of the California Outdoor Rollerskating Association, a main
backer of the measure. "This will take a considerable level of skating
ability."He said that perhaps 50 people would take the plunge initially, but that
figure could grow as word gets around. "I'm pretty confident I this will work,"
he said.
Supervisor Mark Leno said there would have to be a broad public awareness program
associated with the plan. "It's going to take time for drivers or people on bicycles
to get used to this," he said. "We need an education campaign to short-circuit
these problems."
'The education process is just beginning, according to 50 cyclists who demonstrated
outside City Hall last night to push for improved public transit and greater acceptance of
alternatives to cars.
A real commitment from city leaders is the key to making San Francisco's streets safer
for pedestrians, bicyclists and skaters, said. Ann Halton, a San Francisco housekeeper who
was among the demonstrators."Too many people come into the city in cars because
they're afraid to take public transportation," she said. "They think it's unsafe
and unreliable. It's dangerous and frustrating when I ride my bike, but it sure beats
Muni."
The demonstrators' group, which called itself Get a Grip, waited for an hour hoping to
be granted an audience with Mayor Willie Brown. Standing outside City Hall, many rang
their bike bells and shouted, "Hey Willie."
The mayor did not respond. .
Chronicle staff writer Julie N. Lynem contributed to this report. |