SFPD Not Targeting Bicyclists; How to Counter-protest 'Anonymous';

Some drivers ignore the mandatory right-turn at 10th Street. Photo courtesy of SFExaminer.com

   Recent claims made by Streetsblog and other transit websites that the San Francisco Police Department have been selectively targeting bicyclists has been proven speculative.  Evidenced by the repeated enforcement (they run this sting quite regularly) by the SFPD of motorists disobeying the mandatory turn-lanes along Market Street at 6th and 10th Streets. Let's call them Cartyrs, people who refuse to believe they are the 'small guys' on the playground and continually peacock and posture until their noticed.  Trust me, as a pedestrian I "Notice" you everyday whizzing by me in crosswalks, pedestrian areas, and even inside BART stations.

  Again, these websites' agendas overshadow their noble and rational reasons for the fight; everyone should feel safe on our streets. Yet they seek some legitimized form of anarchy by believing they are above the law, or at least always the victim in the battle for street space. This seems eerily similar to the motorist's "arrogant" behavior they so often deem entitlement.

  Contrarian at best, their continued police bashing doesn't win them any leverage in their eventual fight for any future expansion of the San Francisco Bike Plan (SFBP) beyond the proposed build-out scheduled for completion late next year. I guess upholding the law isn't something these people want from a police department any more. Stop turning our brave men and women into scapegoats in the public media, karma's a bitch.

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photo courtesy of phonejammer.com

  Here's a novel way of participating in the counter-protest to 'Anonymous' and their senseless and misdirected claims about BART Police.  In response, I'll offer my own non-violent, quasi-legal way of making Anonymous truly anonymous. You can purchase portable cell-signal blocking technology that fits in your pocket.  

  Just show up during a scheduled protest and stay close to protesters outside the station moderating or coordinating social media, blogs, and forums.  This is the crucial link in cutting off communication to the their fringe elements and the rest of the world. This will also block nearby news reporters from using their cell phones, so be careful.  Fight for your right to safe and convenient public transit, and take back the trains from these terrorists.  BTW, MUNI drivers have struck and killed NINE people this year, BART Police TWO.  Where are your priorities?

PHOTOS: A Beautiful Day Along Market Street

Market Street Bicycle Boxes Disappear, Get Ignored

Magically disappearing bicycle boxes

    The green bicycle boxes and bike lanes along Market Street have been touted as a great first step to a Better Market Street.  I've used them myself once (since I generally crosstown commute from Ocean Ave to The Bayview) and found them to provide a level of assurance and safety I'd never felt riding in San Francisco before, but as I came out of Van Ness Station and waited to cross to Bank of America I noticed something peculiar.

    In many different locations approaching the intersection, and especially at dusk, these green safety boxes appear to disappear from sight. Just thought I'd throw that along. The real reason I came to Van Ness and Market was to see for myself how these traffic control devices were implemented, why they should be there in the first place, and how the public was responding to these new devices.

Slinky Sister City Streetcar Reappears

The Castro - Usually, being bumped off the historic "F" streetcar line at Market/Noe can be a bummer, especially in bad weather.  But today, as i was directed to disembark by the operator, I turned to look East down Market Street, and spotted a slender, blue streetcar.  One that I had never seen before.  Apparently, i was witnessing an initial test run of the return of one of the most unique streetcars in the historic fleet, a carriage from San Francisco's Sister City of Zurich, Switzerland.  
          "In June, 2004, Market Street Railway facilitated the delivery of Brussels No. 7037 to the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) following its retirement. Muni modified the tram for service in San Francisco, and renumbered it to 737.
In June, 2005, the car made its first appearance on the street, but at the request of Mayor Gavin Newsom, it wears the blue and white livery of San Francisco's sister city Zürich, Switzerland, which operated similar looking cars (but narrow gauge and non-PCC). In the future, No. 737 may be restored to its original 1952 cream Brussels livery" (via Market Street Railway).

          The streetcar was running in 'training' mode, so it stopped without passengers.  The exterior was this almost periwinkle blue that reminded me of the sky if you look straight up.  The driver threw open it's doors, revealing a classic interior with abundant wood and brass adornments.  The gleaming paint, authentic emblems, touches of gold and the window trim were among the notable details.

          I hope to see this streetcar more frequently, and soon i hope to ride this historic piece of our living, moving past.

View of train approaching Market/Noe from the east.

    

Insignia located along the side, close to the rear.

Place and date

View of train leaving station