The normally tranquil Outer Sunset district of San Francisco, a neighborhood synonymous with quiet residential living, recently faced an unforeseen disruption: a surge in illicit sideshow activities. This unexpected development prompted swift action from local leadership, culminating in the installation of specialized speed bumps aimed at curbing these dangerous automotive displays.
Residents were caught off guard when, in May, the serene intersection of 42nd Avenue and Lawton Street became the scene of a raucous sideshow at 12:45 AM on a Sunday. This isolated incident quickly escalated, transforming the peaceful area into an unexpected hotspot for illegal stunts, making many feel their neighborhood’s character was under threat.
Further reports confirmed that this single event was not an anomaly; multiple sideshows continued to plague the precise corner of 42nd Avenue and Lawton Street in subsequent months. These repeated occurrences raised significant concerns among the Outer Sunset community, highlighting an urgent need for effective intervention to restore public order and safety.
In response to mounting community pressure, Supervisor Joel Engardio, representing the district, personally championed the cause for traffic calming measures. He publicly showcased the implementation of new speed bumps, specifically designed to deter the “donut” maneuvers characteristic of sideshows, sharing this development across various social media platforms.
Engardio emphasized the critical role of these “donut speed bumps” in preventing vehicles from swirling dangerously within intersections. He underscored the inherent risks posed by these activities, particularly given the proximity to a church and residential homes, and highlighted instances where sideshows occurred even in broad daylight with pedestrians present.
Currently, four of these distinctive speed bumps have been strategically installed at the Lawton Street and 42nd Avenue intersection. Furthermore, Supervisor Engardio has indicated plans for additional installations at other problematic intersections. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is also committed to enhancing safety with measures like centerline hardening, flexible posts, and raised bumps across the city to obstruct illegal stunt driving.
While this proactive approach by Supervisor Engardio might be viewed within the context of his broader political endeavors, it undeniably represents a concrete step towards mitigating a pressing public safety issue. The effective deployment of these traffic calming solutions could serve as a model for urban planning and significantly enhance community safety in areas prone to such disruptions.
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