Car free JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park celebrates 4th birthday

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JFK PROMENADE GOLDEN GATE PARK – SAN FRANCISCO

Lee Heidhues 4.28.2024

It was four years ago today in the depth of the Pandemic that San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared the vehicle thoroughfare JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park a car free area. Renaming it JFK Promenade.

JFK Promenade. The beginning 4.29.2020

In November 2022 the voters by a 63 percent majority concurred with the Mayor’s decision passing Proposition J and making the 1.5 mile thoroughfare permanently car free.

Mayor Breed’s advocacy for JFK Promenade. Signing the legislation which made it permanent on May 7, 2022. Then fighting for the passage of Proposition J will be one of her most momentous achievements.

JFK Promenade is a car free oasis. Devoid of climate killing cars and a sanctuary where people of all ages from San Francisco and around the world can enjoy peace and tranquility.

The creation of JFK Promenade was only gained after a hard fought battle. Motorists and their enablers, mainly the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), waged a pitched battle spending nearly a million dollars to destroy JFK Promenade.

I spoke with a well placed City Hall official. He told me the doyenne of the FAMSF Dede Wilsey, who opened her bank account in a futile effort to kill JFK Promenade, is still upset. Dede has now turned her sights on car free Market Street and wants cars back on that thoroughfare. Speakers at today’s event reminded people that JFK Promenade is just one victory. The struggle continues.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon a large group of people and City officials enjoyed the day and commemorated JFK Promenade.

LOVE spelled out in large letters is what JFK Promenade is all about.
David Miles the Godfather of Skate and original advocate for a car free JFK Promenade waged a 45 year battle
JFK Promenade is 4 years old TODAY! – ALL are Welcome!
The folks enjoying an afternoon in the sun on JFK Promenade
Recreation and Parks Director Phil Ginsburg give a shout out to Mayor Breed. Assisted by SFMTA Transportation boss Jeffrey Tumlin presenting Mayor Breed with a specially brewed 4 pack of beer for the occasion.
A kid goes topsy turvy celebrating JFK Promenade while Mayor London Breed shows off her special brew.
Assemblyman Phil Ting, Supervisor Dean Preston, SFMTA Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin and the family dog
A converted VW Beetle converted to Pedal Power on JFK Promenade.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition tent

WALK SF. Whose advocacy and constant support made JFK Promenade a reality.
A bicycle riding Park Ranger watches over the celebration.
The crowd of all ages on JFK Promenade
Cycling on JFK Promenade
Liz checks out the art scene on JFK Promenade with her home made sign for the occasion – CAR FREE JFK CROWNED SF’S HEALTHIEST ST.
The food truck serves the visitors on JFK Promenade
Skaters galore on JFK Promenade
Jugglers on JFK Promenade
Ping pong players compete on JFK Promenade

JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park

Top photo: Liz Heidhues, a lifelong cyclist and advocate for JFK Promenade engages Mayor London Breed in conversation.

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Published by leeheidhues

I am a Green Party member, legal worker, walker, cyclist who follows politics, world events, 🌎 the literary world and 🎥 film

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