As a San Francisco native and lifetime resident, I value thoughtful urban planning that supports both vibrant community spaces and functional traffic flow. I fully support successful “Slow Streets” like those on Sanchez and Page— they are lively community hubs where people walk, bike, play, and gather. These spaces have become integral to our neighborhood culture, and I love that.

However, the closure of Noe Street between Beaver and Duboce does not serve a similar purpose. This small stretch sees little to no use by pedestrians or cyclists and lacks the activity that would justify its continued closure. Unlike other Slow Streets, this segment has become a source of confusion and disruption, not community benefit.

Personally, I rely on Noe Street for my daily commute. Since its closure, what was once a simple, direct route has turned into a daily detour maze. These added minutes compound over time, creating unnecessary stress and disrupting routines for many who pass through the area.

The intent behind the Slow Streets program is commendable, but it must be implemented where it makes sense—where it fosters connection and safe, vibrant use. Keeping underused segments like this one closed undermines public trust in the program and contributes to congestion on nearby routes. In fact, extended detours can lead to more idling, more emissions, and poorer air quality for residents.

We’re asking the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and city planners to reevaluate Noe Street’s closure based on actual usage and community impact. Let’s preserve and expand slow streets where they work, and restore access where they do not.

Please sign this petition to request the reopening of Noe Street between Beaver & Duboce, restoring efficiency for commuters while maintaining the integrity of our city’s community spaces.