New reporting confirms what many of us already suspected: Rec & Park inflated pedestrian traffic counts at Sunset Dunes, claiming the park is already “heavily used” to justify inaction and delay real safety fixes. Meanwhile, walkers, seniors, and families remain at risk.

“For a cyclist to not fear that a dog or person will suddenly run in front of them…” —Jack Avery, SF Rec & Parks Policy Director

That wouldn’t happen if cyclists stayed in their designated East Lanes.

But that’s not what’s happening at Sunset Dunes Park. Cyclists and e-scooters continue weaving through the West Lane, the so-called “slow zone”, and legacy pedestrian paths, putting children, seniors, and people with disabilities in danger.

This week, Rec & Park repeated its claim that everyone deserves to feel safe. But their data can’t be trusted.

🕵️‍♀️ According to the Westside Observer:

   •   Rec & Park claimed 2,862 pedestrians over 14 hours (just 204 per hour).

   •   In reality, they used methodology that artificially boosted numbers by counting one person multiple times for walking different routes.

   •   This inflated data was used to justify the idea that pedestrian safety upgrades weren’t urgently needed.

📈 The result? No urgency. No enforcement. No transparency.

⸻

✅ Here’s what the City must do urgently:

 1. Enforce Lanes and Educate the Public

Install inexpensive signs on every block that clearly explains and enforces fast and slow lane use.

 2. Safe Crossings Between East and West

Install pedestrian signals or flashing crosswalk lights so slower users can safely cross the median.

 3. Multilingual, Clear Signage on Every Block

This is a diverse neighborhood. Signs should reflect that. Everyone deserves to know how to use the park safely.

 4. Transparency on Infrastructure and Data

Rec & Park said on July 2 that safety infrastructure would arrive in 2–4 weeks. Where is it?

▸ Release unaltered pedestrian and cyclist data

▸ Explain how safety decisions are being made

▸ Stop manipulating numbers to delay action

 5. Low-Cost, Immediate Safety Investments

While the Prop K lawsuit looms, Rec & Park is spending on features that could be reversed. At minimum, invest in durable basics like signage, flashing lights, and painted crossings that protect pedestrians now.

⸻

📣 Spread the Word

📬 Email: daniel.lurie@sfgov.org, phil.ginsburg@sfgov.org

✊ Share this petition. Let’s hit 600 signatures together.

Everyone deserves to walk without fear.

Especially when the City knows the risks—and still refuses to act.