Cheap Gas Creates Bike Rider Hazard in San Francisco

Examiner writer Will Reisman reports on the intersection of Fell and Divisadero in the November 27^th issue of the San Francisco Examiner. He reports Cars waiting in line for cheap gas at the Arco Station at Fell and Divisadero in San Francisco are forcing bicyclists to unexpectedly move into swift Fell street traffic. So many cars are waiting in line for the cheap gas at Arco that a long line of cars grows back into the Fell Street Bike lane. This dangerous condition has existed for nearly a decade according to Michael Helquist, a member of the North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association. Helquist believes Arco should hire a person to help manage traffic outside the station, similar to the way Trader Joe’s employs someone outside the busy store on Masonic Avenue and Geary Boulevard. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) spokesman Judson True said, “We do not yet have the answer for this challenging location, but we will continue to work with stakeholders to identify a possible solution.” San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi believes Arco needs to take responsibility and realize that their gas station is a contributor to a major traffic hazard. I believe we should get Arco to sell bicycles to those cheap drivers wasting their life in line, so they can hope on a bike and get some fresh air and exercise. Botton line, this dangerous road needs to be fixed before a bicycle rider is seriously injured or killed.