For drivers around the Bay Area, parking just got a little bit harder.
Beginning Monday , a new state law requires cities around California to improve visibility at intersections to protect pedestrians- called “daylighting.”
That means from now on, no car will be able to park within 20 feet of any crosswalk.
“This is not just for pedestrians, this is also for the driver. What daylighting does is it gives clear sight lines to the driver to the person that’s standing in the crosswalk,” said Jodie Medeiros.
Medeiros is the executive director of Walk San Francisco.
She says daylighting has already been implemented in other cities and states around the country and has proven effective in saving lives.
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In San Francisco, the city’s Municipal Transportation Agency estimates the new rules will cause a loss of about 5% of its total parking, or about 14,000 spaces.
The law also doesn’t provide cities funding to paint curbs red or remove potential parking meters already in place- leaving parking discretion up to the driver.
Facts that annoys many people.
“Where I live it’s very dense, and we’re going to have to search around more, circle around more for parking spaces,” said John Goins.
Goins told us that while he supports lawmakers doing more to keep people safe, he thinks the rule is too broad.
Goins believes the law will disproportionately impact places like San Francisco where space is more precious, as opposed to more suburban or rural communities.
“I think they should have differentiated large SUVs that definitely obstruct vision and cause problems, as opposed to cars that are smaller,” he said.
That additional inconvenience doesn’t bother everyone, though.
RELATED: Parking next to crosswalk now illegal in CA: Here’s what you need to know
Some say they’re happy to spend more time finding parking if it helps protect others.
“People’s lives are more important than a little extra time looking for parking. And I don’t think it’s going to change too much,” said Neema Esfandiari.
SFMTA says it will issue warnings to anyone parked within 20 feet of intersections for the rest of the year.
Then, beginning in January, $40 fines will be handed out to drivers who park too close to crosswalks.
San Francisco’s elimination of 14,000 parking spaces in response to California’s new Daylighting Law represents a significant shift toward prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety. By clearing visibility around intersections, the city aims to reduce traffic accidents and make streets safer for all users. While the loss of parking may inconvenience some drivers, the law reflects a broader commitment to urban design that places safety and accessibility at the forefront. This change highlights a movement toward sustainable, pedestrian-friendly city planning, with potential long-term benefits like reduced traffic injuries and a more walkable urban environment.
San Francisco’s decision to eliminate 14,000 parking spaces as California’s new Daylighting Law takes effect reflects a strong commitment to enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety by improving visibility at intersections. Although this change may pose challenges for drivers and parking availability, it prioritizes public safety in heavily trafficked urban areas, aiming to reduce accidents and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. This measure aligns with broader goals of sustainable city planning, potentially leading to long-term benefits such as safer streets, increased foot traffic, and support for alternative transportation options.
The removal of 14,000 parking spaces in San Francisco due to California’s new Daylighting Law signals a shift toward prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety over car convenience. By clearing areas around intersections, the city aims to improve sight lines, reduce collisions, and create a safer environment for all road users. While this may inconvenience drivers seeking parking, it reflects an urban planning strategy focused on reducing traffic incidents and encouraging walkability. This approach highlights a commitment to sustainable, people-centered city design, setting a precedent for other cities to follow in balancing safety with urban mobility needs.